Racial and Ethnic Considerations in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation JACC Focus Seminar 5/9

Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects at least 60 million individuals globally and is associated with substantial impacts on morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditures. This review focuses on how race and ethnicity influence AF epidemiology, risk prediction, treatment, and outcomes; knowledge gaps in these areas are identified. Most AF studies have predominantly included White populations, with an underrepresentation of racial and ethnic groups, including but not limited to Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous individuals. Enhancement and implementation of AF risk prediction, prevention, and management call for studies that will gather accurate race-based epidemiologic data and evaluate social determinants and genetic factors in the context of multiple races and ethnicities. Available studies highlight inequities in access to treatment as well as outcomes between White individuals and persons of other races/ethnicities. These inequities will need to be addressed by a renewed emphasis on structural and social determinants of health that contribute to AF. (C) 2021 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.

Automated summary

Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects at least 60 million individuals globally, with race and ethnicity playing a significant role in its epidemiology, risk prediction, treatment, and outcomes. Most studies have mainly included White populations, with underrepresentation of minority racial and ethnic groups, highlighting the need for more inclusive research to address inequities in treatment and outcomes. Studies must focus on gathering accurate race-based epidemiologic data and evaluating social determinants and genetic factors across multiple races and ethnicities to enhance AF risk prediction, prevention, and management.