Incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation and associated mortality among Medicare beneficiaries, 1993-2007.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common and costly problem among older persons. The frequency of AF increases with age, but representative national data about incidence and prevalence are limited. We examined the annual incidence, prevalence, and mortality associated with AF among older persons.

Methods and results

In a retrospective cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries 65 years and older diagnosed with AF between 1993 and 2007, we measured annual age- and sex-adjusted incidence and prevalence of AF and mortality following an AF diagnosis. Among 433,123 patients with incident AF, the mean age was 80 years, 55% were women, and 92% were white. The incidence of AF remained steady during the 14-year study period, ranging from 27.3 to 28.3 per 1000 person-years. Inciden

SUBMITTER: Piccini JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3332107 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature