Atrial fibrillation
See who’s at risk for getting atrial fibrillation (AFib or AF) and the concerning disparities in treatment rates. And find insights to help you understand how to better reach undertreated women and people of color.
Who’s at risk?
 | Women with AFib have twice the risk of a stroke compared with men.1 |
| 60% of women with diabetes have an increased risk of AFib, compared with 40% of men.2 |
| The prevalence of AFib is predicted to increase from 5.2 million cases in 2010 to over 12 million cases in 2030,1 affecting a disproportionate number of minorities. |
Who’s going untreated?
 | Black patients are 50% less likely to receive catheter ablation compared to white patients.3 |
| Hispanic and Latinx patients are 36% less likely to have catheter ablation compared to white patients.3 |
| Women are 17% less likely to undergo catheter ablation compared to men.3 |
Insight from underserved patients with AFib
Boston Scientific commissioned a study on underserved groups across the country. Below is a snapshot of patients’ perceptions. You can also download a one-page summary.
AFib patients key insights (English PDF)
AFib patients key insights (Spanish PDF)
Barriers to accessing healthcare for AFib
Our market research study found that people with AFib identify these top obstacles in getting care after diagnosis:
- 26% cite cost of healthcare or insurance
- 18% cite other health conditions
- 13% cite finding a doctor
Barriers causing delays to healthcare for AFib
Respondents tended to be complex patients in search of more affordable, effective care options.
- 31% try to put off having a medical procedure
- 40% worry about paying their bills
What can help underserved patients with AFib
Give educational materials
- 48% feel overwhelmed when diagnosed
- 42% want treatment options written out
- 32% wish they knew more about their treatment options
Start by giving materials we’ve created, such as Black women and atrial fibrillation.
Increase communication and access
- 43% want to speak with their doctor
- 57% want to get email from their HCP to receive information
- Women are more concerned with office hours
Connect with your patients
- Many patients emphasize that they want to feel like they’re being listened to, and for their care team to understand that they may be coping with other conditions, such as kidney failure.
Provider resources
What do patients say is needed to break down barriers to care? Find fast facts about what underserved patients say prevent them from following the path to specialty care.
Patient resources
Help referring physicians and primary care providers engage underserved patients in their care and improve their access to specialty care.
Get started
Dedicated health equity consultants from Boston Scientific can help you build an outreach effort specifically designed to reach those most at-risk within your community.
References:
- Bai, C et al. (2018). Sex differences in Atrial Fibrillation – Update on Risk Assessment, Treatment, and Long-Term Risk. Curr Treat Options Cardio Med (2018) 20: 79. DOI: 10.1007/s11936-018-0682-3
- Staerk, L. et al. (2017). Atrial Fibrillation: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Clinical Outcomes. Circ Res 2017 Apr 28: 120(9): 1501-1517. Doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.117.309732.
- Patel N, Deshmukh A, Thakkar B, et al. Gender, Race, and Health Insurance Status in Patients Undergoing Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation. Am J Cardiol. 2016;117(7):1117-1126. doi:10.1016/j.amjcard.2016.01.040