Differential impact of race and risk factors on incidence of atrial fibrillation.

ABSTRACT: Despite some common risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF) being more prevalent among blacks, African Americans are increasingly being reported with lower prevalence and incidence of AF compared with whites. Contemporary studies have not provided a complete explanation for this apparent AF paradox in African Americans. Although many traditional and novel risk factors for AF have been identified, the role of ethnic-specific risk factors has not been examined. Whereas hypertension has been the most common risk factor associated with AF, coronary artery disease also plays an important role in AF pathophysiology in whites. Thereby, elucidating the role of ethnic-specific risk factors for AF may provide important insight into why African Americans are protected from AF or why whites are more

SUBMITTER: Gbadebo TD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3137277 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature