01. What is atrial fibrillation (AF)?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent supraventricular tachyarrhythmia characterised by uncoordinated atrial activation with consequent deterioration of atrial mechanical function. AF can cause mainly palpitations, dyspnea, and fatigue. Atrial fibrillation (AF) currently represents a major economic burden for society. 70 percent of the annual cost of AF management is driven by inpatient care and interventional procedures. Hospitalisations for AF have increased dramatically (2- to 3-fold) in recent years. AF hospitalisations now represent a third of all hospitalisations for arrhythmia and mortality. AF affects nearly seven million people in the European Union and the United States.

AF is increasingly frequent with advancing age, caused by age-related changes in the heart or by an underlying cardiovascular disease. AF increases the risk of stroke five-fold and heart failure two- to three-fold. AF also doubles the risk of mortality and is an independent risk factor for sudden cardiac death.
 
Without appropriate management, AF can lead to serious complications such as stroke and congestive heart failure. Successful management of AF should also aim at further reducing CV morbidity and mortality.