Global Burden of Heart Failure Attributable to Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter, insights from GBD 2021

AF/AFL is a major and growing driver of global HF burden, projected to affect 1.3 million individuals by 2040, with disproportionate impact in older adults (≥65 years) and high-SDI regions. Integrating standardized AF management-including systematic screening, anticoagulation, and early rhythm control- into HF prevention pathways represents a critical strategy to mitigate projected increases.