JAMA Clinical Reviews Diagnosis and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
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Dec 16, 2024 Emelia J. Benjamin is a renowned Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at Boston University and a cardiologist at Boston Medical Center. She discusses the rising prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and its link to serious health risks. The conversation highlights how smartwatches can detect AF, though traditional monitoring remains essential. Emelia emphasizes the importance of managing lifestyle factors like alcohol and obesity in treating AF, along with the need for comprehensive healthcare access to improve outcomes for patients.
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Atrial Fibrillation Pathophysiology
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) involves electrical and structural remodeling in the atrium.
- It can stem from ectopic beats originating in pulmonary vein sleeves or autonomic dysfunction.
AF Prevalence and Risk Factors
- AF incidence and lifetime risk are increasing, likely due to aging populations and improved cardiovascular disease survival.
- Risk factors include age, smoking, obesity, and underlying conditions like heart failure.
AF Diagnosis
- 10-40% of AF cases are asymptomatic, often discovered incidentally.
- Younger individuals tend to experience more symptoms, while older individuals may have fewer.