Economic Burden of Atrial Fibrillation: Implications for Intervention

Ajpblive.com:  April 18, 2012.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an independent predictor of stroke and heart failure. Stroke, in particular, is more severe and costly in AF than in non-AF patients. Direct costs to Medicare for AF-related strokes in the first year are estimated to be $2.6 billion. However, 30% to 50% of eligible AF patients receive no preventive anticoagulation with warfarin; among those who do, measures of anticoagulant activity are outside the optimal international normalized ratio range 52% of the time. The use of well-controlled warfarin therapy in just half of these patients could prevent 19,000 strokes and save more than $1.1 billion in direct costs annually. Clinical strategies that can reduce AF-related hospitalizations may improve clinical outcomes and reduce costs. This review summarizes the economic burden associated with AF—with a focus on the US healthcare system—and discusses the costs associated with varying practice patterns and current treatment options. Read More