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Global burden, temporal trends and geographic disparities of younger-onset atrial fibrillation in adults aged 30–45 years, 1990–2021: a population-based study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: This study aimed to estimate the global burden, temporal trends, and geographic disparities of younger-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in adults aged 30-45 years across 204 countries from 1990 to 2021, using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study. Focusing on this under-researched age group, we aimed to characterize the epidemiology of premature AF and its implications for prevention strategies. Methods: We analyzed the global burden of younger-onset AF (30-45 years) from 204 countries using Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 data. The primary outcomes included age-standardized prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and average annual percentage change (AAPC). Results: From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized prevalence of AF among young and middle-aged adults decreased slightly from 57.81 to 57.48 cases per 100,000 population, with an AAPC of 0 (95% CI -0.05 to 0.05). Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) increased from 0.04 to 0.05 per 100,000 population, with an AAPC of 0.17% (95% CI 0.08 to 0.26). The age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) rate rose from 6.98 to 7.08 per 100,000 population (AAPC 0.05%, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.11). Men exhibited higher AF-related mortality, with an AAPC of 0.3% (95% CI 0.14 to 0.47). Higher Socio-demographic Index (SDI) countries showed higher AF prevalence (e.g., 111.54 per 100,000 in Australasia) but lower mortality rates, whereas low-SDI countries had higher mortality rates (AAPC 0.49% for low-middle SDI). Regional analysis revealed the highest prevalence increase in East Asia (AAPC 0.72%). Conclusions: From 1990 to 2021, the global age-standardized prevalence and ASDR for AF in adults aged 30-45 remained stable, though ASMR slightly increased, particularly among men and in regions with lower SDI. These findings emphasize the need for targeted prevention strategies to reduce AF-related mortality in this population.

Source: Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine

DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2025.1677005

Authors: Jiayi Sun, Jiayang Dong, Lifeng Liang, Zuochen Xue, Jun Ding

Institutions: Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Capital Medical University, Beijing Friendship Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Atrial Fibrillation Management and Outcomes

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801