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Incidence and Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation in Latinos: What’s New Since the Study in Latinos (SOL)?

  • Diversity and Health Equity in Cardiology (AE Johnson, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

To assess contemporary epidemiological trends in AF incidence and prevalence in the LatinX population after the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

Recent Findings

Atrial fibrillation (AF) remains the most abnormal heart rhythm condition globally and disproportionately impacts morbidity and mortality of communities that have been historically disadvantaged. The incidence and prevalence of AF is lower in the LatinX population compared to White individuals despite a higher burden of classic risk factors associated with AF. Since the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos study on AF, recent data continues to demonstrate a similar lower burden of AF in the LatinX population compared to White individuals. However, the rates of incident AF may be accelerating faster in the LatinX population compared to their White counterparts. Furthermore, studies have found environmental and genetic risk factors that are associated with the development of AF within LatinX individuals, which may help explain the rising development of AF among the LatinX community. Recent research continues to show that LatinX populations are less likely to be treated with stroke reduction and rhythm control strategies and have a disproportionately higher burden of poor outcomes associated with AF compared to White patients.

Summary

Our review illuminates that further inclusion of LatinX individuals in AF randomized control trials and observational studies is imperative to understand the incidence and prevalence of AF in the LatinX community and improve overall morbidity and mortality.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Funding

Dr. Jackson has received research grants from the National Institute of Health, specifically the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, is currently supported by 1K01HL159041 from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and the American Heart Association under award number 851386.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA

    Apurva Khedagi & Larry R. Jackson

  2. Division of Cardiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA

    Francis Ugowe & Larry R. Jackson

  3. Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, 300 W. Morgan Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USA

    Larry R. Jackson

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  1. Apurva Khedagi
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  2. Francis Ugowe
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  3. Larry R. Jackson
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Correspondence to Larry R. Jackson.

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Conflict of Interest

Dr. Jackson serves as a consultant to Biosense Webster Inc., Johnson and Johnson, Sanofi, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Pfizer; and receives honoraria from Zoll LifeVest, CME Outfitters, Health Monitor, PRIME Education, and WebMD/Medscape. Dr. Khedagi and Dr. Ugowe have no relevant financial and non-financial interests to disclose.

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Khedagi, A., Ugowe, F. & Jackson, L.R. Incidence and Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation in Latinos: What’s New Since the Study in Latinos (SOL)?. Curr Cardiol Rep 25, 901–906 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-023-01910-w

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