Arrhythmias & electrophysiology
Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter as Global Drivers of Heart Failure: Burden and Longitudinal Trends Over Three Decades
Authors' conclusion
The global burden of heart failure attributable to AF/AFL increased substantially from 1990 to 2021, disproportionately affecting older adults, females aged 55 years and above and populations in high SDI regions.
Study context
- Population
- Global population, 204 countries and territories, 1990–2021
- Outcome
- Prevalence and YLDs of HF attributable to atrial fibrillation (AF)/atrial flutter (AFL)
- Follow-up
- 1990 to 2021
Methodological detailsGlobal Burden of Disease Study 2021, 204 countries and territories
- Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
- 204 countries and territories
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
HF attributable to AF/AFL, global · 2021
HF cases
714 137.5
95% UI 520 543.5 to 940 900.6
Years lived with disability (YLDs)
63 942.8
95% UI 39 057.9 to 96 196.5
Age-standardized prevalence per 100 000
8.85
95% UI 6.38 to 11.63
Age-standardized YLD rate per 100 000
0.79
95% UI 0.49 to 1.19
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Change 1990–2021
- Increase in absolute HF cases
- 339.3% (95% UI 292.7 to 387.0)
- Increase in absolute YLDs
- 337.5% (95% UI 290.1 to 387.0)
- Increase in age-standardized prevalence
- 65.2% (95% UI 47.7 to 83.8)
- Increase in age-standardized YLD rate
- 65.4% (95% UI 46.6 to 83.5)
Burden by age, sex and SDI
- Burden increased with age, peaking at ≥95 years
- Females higher burden than males from age 55 years, greatest disparity at 85-89 years
- High SDI regions (Australasia, Western Europe) highest prevalence and YLD rates
Original publication
Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter as Global Drivers of Heart Failure: Burden and Longitudinal Trends Over Three Decades. ESC Heart Fail. Published 13 June 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →