New Delhi, India

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A recent study has uncovered concerning information about a serious heart condition known as atrial fibrillation, or AFib, which has been dubbed the "silent killer." Contrary to previous beliefs, this condition appears to be affecting a significantly larger portion of the population than previously estimated, sparking alarm among health experts. AFib is called the "silent killer," because it often manifests without obvious symptoms. 

The study, conducted by researchers at Aalborg University in Denmark, examined the health records of millions of adults. Their findings discovered that AFib, characterised by an irregular heartbeat, doesn't only impact a quarter of adults. Instead, it affects one in three people.

According to the study, individuals diagnosed with AFib face heightened risks of heart failure and stroke. Up to two in five patients with AFib are at risk of heart failure, while one in five may suffer a stroke. 

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One of the challenges with AFib is that it is not easy to detect. Unlike other conditions that present noticeable symptoms, AFib can be difficult to detect without specialised diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a Holter monitor. This means that many cases of AFib may go undiagnosed until complications arise.

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The Danish researchers analysed data from over 3.5 million individuals aged 45 and older with no prior history of AFib. Comparing two decades of data, from 2000 to 2010 and 2011 to 2022, they observed a concerning trend. The lifetime risk of developing AFib increased from 24 percent in the previous decade to 31 percent in more recent years. Moreover, the study noted that men faced a slightly higher risk of developing AFib compared to women.

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Effective management of AFib often involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, medications, and sometimes procedures to restore normal heart rhythm.