Atrial Fibrillation: Epidemiology and the Risk and Prevention of Stroke

Atrial fibrillation is a common disorder and the incidence increases with each decade of life. Previously, rheumatic mitral valve disease has been the condition most highly associated with atrial fibrillation. However, with the decreasing incidence of rheumatic heart disease, other conditions have assumed greater importance and now congestive cardiac failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension are the most commonly associated conditions. Nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation is associated with an approximately fivefold increase in the risk of ischemic stroke and a 5% to 7% yearly risk that increases with age. In addition, atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased incidence of silent cerebral infarction and increased mortality. However, whether atrial fibrillation is independently associated with the risk of stroke or is a marker of underlying cardiac disease is contentious. Until recently, the use of preventive therapy has been controversial. However, data from four recently published, prospective randomized studies clearly support the use of warfarin prophylaxis in nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation. Within the diverse group of patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation there are high and low risk subgroups and identification of these may influence decisions regarding antithrombotic prophylaxis. With a few exceptions, however, this remains an area in which there are contradictory findings in the literature. The role of aspirin for prophylaxis in nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation remains unclear and further evaluation awaits the publication of ongoing studies.