The Rotterdam Study found that atrial fibrillation incidence rose steadily over three decades, with men showing higher rates than women. Hypertension was the leading contributor to new cases, accounting for up to 60% of atrial fibrillation among women in the most recent period. Lead author Shuyue Yang, MD, of Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, noted that women’s higher susceptibility may stem from vascular stiffness and hypertension-induced atrial remodeling. Researchers underscored that managing hypertension remains key to reducing atrial fibrillation burden at the population level.

Source: Heart