Temporal changes in incidence, treatment strategies and 1-year re-admission rates in patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter under 65 years of age: A Danish nationwide study

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  • Lukas Schak
  • Jeppe Kofoed Petersen
  • Naja Emborg Vinding
  • Charlotte Andersson
  • Peter E. Weeke
  • Søren Lund Kristensen
  • Anna Gundlund
  • Schou, Morten
  • Køber, Lars Valeur
  • Emil Loldrup Fosbøl
  • Lauge Østergaard

Aim: To examine temporal changes in incidence rates of atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF), treatment strategies, and AF readmission rates in patients <65 years. Methods: Using Danish nationwide registries, we identified patients <65 years with a first-time AF diagnosis from 2000 to 2018. The cohort was categorized according to calendar periods; 2000–2002, 2003–2006, 2007–2010, 2011–2014, and 2015–2018. In this retrospective cohort study the incidence rate (IR) of AF per 100,000 person years (PY), catheter ablation, electrical cardioversion, use of pharmacotherapy, and AF readmission, were investigated in the first year following AF diagnosis. Results: We identified 60,917 patients; 8150 (13.4%) in 2000–2002, 11,898 (19.5%) in 2003–2006, 13,560 (22.3%) in 2007–2010, 14,167 (23.3%) in 2011–2014, and 13,142 (21.6%) in 2015–2018. Apart from 2015 to 2018, a stepwise increase in the crude IR of AF was observed across calendar periods; 2000–2002: 78.7 (95% CI 77.0;80.4), 2003–2006: 86.3 (84.7;87.8), 2007–2010: 97.9 (96.3;99.6), 2011–2014: 102.3 (100.7;104.0), 2015–2018: 93.6 (92.0;95.2). Over the studied time-periods, we found a stepwise increase in the cumulative incidence of catheter ablation (1.2% to 7.6%) electrical cardioversion (2.0% to 8.7%) and treatment with oral anticoagulant therapy (OAC) (28.5% to 47.8%) within the first year of diagnosis. No temporal differences in incidence of 1-year AF readmission were identified (AF-readmissions: 2000–2002: 32.7%, 2003–2006: 31.1%, 2007–2010: 32.2%, 2011–2014: 32.1% and 2015–2018: 31.7%). Conclusion: The incidence rate of AF in patients <65 years increased from 2000 to 2018, as did the use of catheter ablation, electrical cardioversion and OAC in the first year following AF diagnosis. 1-year AF readmission incidence remained stable around 32% over the study period.

Original languageEnglish
JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology
Volume382
Pages (from-to)23-32
Number of pages10
ISSN0167-5273
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 Elsevier B.V.

    Research areas

  • Constant rates of AF-readmissions, Increase in use of catheter ablation and electrical cardioversion to regain sinus rhythm, More use of oral anticoagulation medication, Rise in incidence of atrial fibrillation/flutter

ID: 367710982