Atrial Fibrillation (AF or AFib) is the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia, and is becoming an increasingly prevalent and significant public health challenge.¹ In Europe, AF affects 11 million people, with 886,000 new people being diagnosed each year.²

AF has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients, with similar reductions in quality of life seen in people with coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure and history of heart attack.^3,4 Patients with AF have a 46% higher risk of mortality than individuals without AF.^5,6

Up to 47% of patients with AF report a reduced quality of life, 25% report a disruption to daily activities and 19% impaired functional status.^4,7,8 In patients with AF, there are several factors that pose a burden on patients. Have a look at the image to understand each of these factors. 

With disease progression, patients are more likely to experience severe mobility problems, issues with self-care, increased pain and discomfort as well as anxiety and depression.⁹ Psychological distress which may include anxiety and/ or depression has the potential to increase both mortality and morbidity in patients with AF.¹⁰