New research from the American Heart Association reveals that 62% of atrial fibrillation patients had no prior knowledge of their condition before receiving a diagnosis, underscoring significant gaps in public awareness about this serious heart rhythm disorder. The nationwide survey of 1,200 participants, including 770 AFib patients and 430 caregivers, was conducted between January and March 2025 to assess awareness, motivations, and barriers to treatment for this growing public health concern.
Atrial fibrillation affects over 6 million people in the U.S., with projections indicating this number will double by 2030 according to statistics from the American Heart Association. The condition increases stroke risk by up to five times and can lead to blood clots, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications. Dr. José Joglar, professor of cardiac electrophysiology at UT Southwestern Medical Center and chair of the 2023 AFib guidelines, emphasized that "early detection and proactive management can make a life-saving difference" given the condition's serious implications.
The research findings highlight that AFib patients reported experiencing an average of three symptoms before diagnosis, yet many remained unaware of the condition's significance. While irregular heartbeat is a common symptom, other indicators include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, chest pain, or fainting. Risk factors increase with age and are higher among people with uncontrolled high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, overweight, prior heart attacks, or family history of the condition.
During AFib Awareness Month in September, the American Heart Association is emphasizing that the condition is manageable and treatable with proper care plans. Treatment options include medication, procedures, and lifestyle changes such as weight management, increased physical activity, smoking cessation, and managing underlying conditions like high blood pressure. Patients and caregivers can find support through the organization's online community at MyAFibExperience.org.
The projected rise in AFib cases is driven by several factors including growing prevalence of high blood pressure, increasing rates of diabetes and obesity, and an aging population. The research was sponsored by the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, with funding support from the HCA Healthcare Foundation. Additional information about AFib signs, symptoms, and management is available at Heart.org/AFib.
