Comparison of risk profiles for new-onset atrial fibrillation between patients aged <60 and ≥60 years.

Abstract

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) has a heterogeneous pathophysiology according to individual patient characteristics. This study aimed to identify the effects of widely known risk factors on AF incidence according to age and to elucidate the clinical implications of these effects.Methods and resultsWe analyzed data from 501,668 subjects (≥18years old) without AF and valvular heart disease from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort. The total population was divided into two groups according to age, ConclusionThe risk profile for new-onset AF was somewhat different between the <60years and the ≥60years age groups. Compared to the ≥60years group, relatively modifiable risk factors (such as obesity and hypertension) had a greater impact on AF incidence in the <60years age group. Different management strategies to prevent AF development according to age may be needed.