Current perceptions of the epidemiology of atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF), an escalating dysrhythmia, is accountable for extensive population morbidity and mortality. In the United States, approximately 2.3 million people are presently diagnosed with AF and it is estimated that this prevalence may increase to 5.6 million by 2050. Foremost predisposing risk factors for this dysrhythmia include advanced age and cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. The chief hazard of AF is embolic stroke, which is increased four- to fivefold, and in advanced age, it becomes a dominant stroke risk factor. AF also carries a doubled mortality rate.