MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

Disease State

Afib is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in clinical practice

As both cardiologists and electrophysiologists know well, atrial fibrillation (Afib) has become a virtual epidemic. With an estimated population-based prevalence of 0.95%, it is by far the most common cardiac arrhythmia in clinical practice and accounts for more than 30% of patients hospitalized with arrhythmia (ref. 1). More than 4 million patients in Europe are affected with Afib. The disease is often related to aging, as 70% of patients are between the ages of 65 and 85, and is frequently associated with diagnosed heart failure, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and previous coronary heart disease.

Moreover, the prevalence of Afib is also increasing due to increased longevity, improved survival after myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure, and the high incidence of postsurgical Afib following cardiac surgery (ref. 2, 3). This means that healthcare professionals, and especially cardiologists and electrophysiologists, will be treating increasing numbers of patients.