What Disease Is Rapidly Surging Among Middle-Aged Adults?

News Desk 

Islamabad: Published in a prominent medical journal, the study conducted by experts in Sweden has shifted the focus from stroke to AFib as the foremost health concern among middle-aged populations.

The findings suggest that approximately one in three individuals in certain countries experience complications stemming from irregular heart rhythms, with even higher rates observed in certain regions.

This revelation underscores the urgent need for heightened awareness, early detection, and prompt treatment strategies to mitigate the growing prevalence and associated risks of AFib in middle-aged demographics.

Experts analyzed data from over 3.5 million individuals for their research. At the beginning of the study, none of them had any heart complications, but by the end of it, over half had developed atrial fibrillation (AFib).

The participants were aged 45 or older, commonly considered middle-aged. Both men and women were affected by the irregular heartbeat issue, with its prevalence increasing incrementally over the years.

Between 2000 and 2010, the rate of AFib among middle-aged individuals stood at 24%. By 2022, experts project this rate to climb to 31 percent. This represents a significant increase, with the prevalence doubling from 2010 to 2020.

Experts have identified the irregular heartbeat as a condition known as atrial fibrillation (AFib). This condition not only disrupts the normal rhythm of the heart but also raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

Atrial fibrillation arises when the heart struggles to efficiently pump blood due to inadequate energy supply. Early intervention is crucial in managing this condition effectively.