Atrial Fibrillation in Young Patients: Insights From the National Inpatient Sample

Background: The burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) hospitalizations in young patients is not well characterized. We aimed to study the burden, comorbidities, outcomes, and resource utilization of AF hospitalizations in young patients.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all primary AF hospitalizations in patients 18-45 years of age using the National Inpatient Sample data from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2019. We collected data on various clinical and socioeconomic features including demographics and clinical outcomes.

Results: AF hospitalizations decreased over time from 18.7 per 100,000 in 2008 to 13.0 per 100,000 in 2019 (p < 0.001). AF hospitalizations were higher amongst males compared to females (24.0 vs. 7.5 per 100,000), and higher in Black patients compared to other ethnicities (20.4 for Black vs. 15.6 for White vs. 8.5 Hispanic per 100,000). The utilization of electrical cardioversion increased from 17.6% in 2008 to 21.9% in 2019 (p < 0.001), and catheter ablation decreased from 7.1% in 2008 to 4.3% in 2019 (p < 0.001). Men were more likely to undergo electrical cardioversion than women (20.1% vs. 14.8%, p < 0.001). White patients were more likely to undergo electrical cardioversion (20.8% vs. 14.3% vs. 15.5%, p < 0.001) and catheter ablation (6.1% vs. 3.3% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.001) compared to Black and Hispanic patients, respectively. Patients in the highest income residence quartile were more likely to undergo electrical cardioversion (21.9% vs. 16.4%, p < 0.001) and catheter ablation (8.0% vs. 3.7%, p < 0.001) compared to patients in the lowest income residence quartile.

Conclusions: We found significant differences in inpatient AF management based on sex, ethnicity, and SES.