Atrial Fibrillation in Black American Patients: A Review of Genetics, Risk Factors, and Outcomes

Overview

Journal Heart Rhythm

Publisher Elsevier

Specialty Cardiology & Vascular Diseases

Date 2024 Nov 8

PMID 39515500

Authors

Aseel Houmsse

Nipun Malhotra

Sakima A Smith

Mona El Refaey

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia in the United States, affects 6 million Americans, with numbers projected to increase to 12 million by 2030. A racial paradox difference in the incidence and prevalence of AF exists between Black and White Americans. Black Americans are less prone than White Americans to development of AF, but they display a higher burden of modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease and higher rates of ischemic stroke. Data pertaining to the American Heart Association Life's Simple 7 (LS7) health metrics show that Black Americans have suboptimal LS7 scores compared with White Americans on average despite lower genetic predisposition to AF. This trend suggests the impact of cardiovascular health on the development and progression of AF. Social, genetic, and lifestyle risk factors have been shown to play a role in the racial paradox and AF outcomes in Black Americans. This review summarizes factors contributing to the racial paradox and discusses suggestions for improved health outcomes in Black Americans with AF.

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