The Afib Paradox

The provided text details significant ethnic disparities in Atrial Fibrillation (AF), noting a clear prevalence gradient with South Asians lowest and Whites highest. It highlights a "South Asian paradox" of low AF despite high cardiovascular risk. Risk factors also differ by ethnicity, such as hypertension driving AF more strongly in Chinese populations, while Pacific Islanders and Native Americans develop AF about 10 years younger than Whites. The document underscores universal treatment disparities for all non-White populations, including critical gaps in anticoagulation—especially among Chinese patients—reduced screening, worse outcomes for Pacific Islanders and Native Americans, and systematic under-representation in research.