Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly in Korea

Abstract

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia particularly in the elderly and a potent risk factor for ischemic stroke. Screening for AF in asymptomatic individuals might prevent strokes by earlier detection and anticoagulation therapy. We investigated the prevalence of AF in the Korean elderly and its clinical characteristics. Methods: This study included 1,483 participants (839 males, 644 females) ≥60 years (72.9±5.4 years) who had undergone electrocardiogram (ECG) screening at the senior health promotion center, Gwangju, from March 2014 to June 2014. Their assessments included 12 lead electrocardiograms, questionnaires and physical examinations. Results: AF was detected in 46 individuals (3.1%), and newly detected in 20 of these 46 (43.4%). The prevalence of AF increased sharply with age-1.0% in 60-69 years group, 3.3% in 70-79 years group, and 7.2% in ≥80 years group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR], 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.17; p< 0.001), male gender (OR 5.28, 95% CI 2.04-13.66; p=0.001), obesity (body mass index>25kg/m

Impact of the Health Insurance Coverage Policy on Oral Anticoagulant Prescription among Patients with Atrial Fibrillation in Korea from 2014 to 2016

“… 5 According to community surveys, the prevalence of Afib in individuals aged over 80 years was 7%, which was relatively higher than the reported 3% using national health insurance claims data. 5 6 Since Korea is the most rapidly aging country in the world, it will be an important public health issue to prevent stroke from increasing the prevalence of Afib.…”

The Analysis of Research Topics and Their Instruments of Atrial Fibrillation Patients in Korea : Based on Domestic Nursing Research Papers (2000-2017)

“…전 인구의 1~2%의 유병률을 보이며 부정맥으로 인한 입원 원인의 약 1/3, 뇌졸중 원인의 6~24%를 차지하고 있다 [2]. 최근 국내에서도 연령증가에 따른 유병률이 1.0%에서 7.25%까지 가파르게 증가 하고 있을 정도로 대부분 환자가 노인이다 [3]. 그러나 대부분의 환자들은 심방세동의 광범위한 증 상들을 조기에 깨닫지 못할 뿐 아니라 개인적으로 경험한 증상에 대해 명확하게 표현하는 데 어려 움을 겪고 있으며, 심지어 뇌졸중의 원인으로서 심방세동의 위험성에 대해 간과하고 있는 실정이 다 [4][5][6].…”

Influence of Knowledge about Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease Symptoms on Self-Management Behaviors in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

“…In atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia, electrical flow occurs in various parts of the atrium, causing irregular and rapid tremors of heart contraction [1] . In a study of 1,483 elderly people over 60 years of age, atrial fibrillation was diagnosed by electrocardiogram screening in 1.0% of participants in their 60s, 3.3% in their 70s, and 7.2% in their 80s [2] . The prevalence rate is expected to increase with the aging population 2 .…”

“…In a study of 1,483 elderly people over 60 years of age, atrial fibrillation was diagnosed by electrocardiogram screening in 1.0% of participants in their 60s, 3.3% in their 70s, and 7.2% in their 80s [2] . The prevalence rate is expected to increase with the aging population 2 . AF presents symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, fainting, and chest pain, and increases the risk of heart failure with reduced ventricular function and stroke due to blood clots formed by the accumulation of blood [3] .…”