Atrial Fibrillation (AF)
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a type of arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm) which may present as a rapid, slow, or abnormal heart rate. While not usually life threatening, atrial fibrillation may reduce the ability of the heart to efficiently pump blood and increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other complications.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and represents a growing area of unmet need. Atrial fibrillation involves the two upper chambers (atria) of the heart. As its name implies, the muscles of the atria fibrillate (i.e. quiver) instead of contracting synchronously. Atrial fibrillation is generally characterized by the frequency of its occurrence either as ‘paroxysmal’ (brief episodes that can resolve on their own), ‘persistent’ (episodes lasting longer than 7 days) or ‘permanent’ (persists continuously and non-responsive to treatment). Treatment of atrial fibrillation includes medications to slow heart rate, anti-arrhythmic therapies, and anticoagulation, and may include procedures such as external cardioversion, catheter ablation, implanted devices and/or surgery.
Prevalence and Key Statistics
The American Heart Association (AHA) has reported that atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of irregular heart rhythm, affecting over 5 million Americans today, with projections indicating that more than 12 million people in the U.S. will have AF by 2030. (Source: American Heart Association)
Atrial fibrillation is the cause of approximately 1 million emergency room visits annually in the United States, and more than half of these visits require hospitalization. The financial burden of atrial fibrillation is estimated to be $26 billion annually.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) leads to a significant number of emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations in the United States, contributing to a substantial financial burden on the healthcare system.
In 2014, there were approximately 600,000 ED visits where AF was the primary cause, accounting for 0.5% of all ED visits in the United States. Of these, nearly 70% resulted in hospitalization. (Source: American Journal of Cardiology)
The American Heart Association reported that AF costs the U.S. healthcare system an estimated $26 billion annually. (Source: American Heart Association)
In the United Kingdom in 2020, AF was predicted to directly cost the NHS between £1.435 billion and £2.548 billion, representing about 0.9% to 1.6% of total NHS expenditure. These costs were primarily attributed to hospital admissions related to AF. (Source: European Heart Journal - Quality of Care and Clinical Outcomes)
Risk Factors
Obesity (increases risk of atrial fibrillation by 50%)
Advancing age
Heart disease, including heart failure and ischemic heart disease
High blood pressure (which accounts for about 1 in 5 cases of atrial fibrillation)
Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, thyroid disease, lung disease, and sleep apnea
Moderate to heavy alcohol use (2 or more drinks per day for women, 3 or more drinks per day for men)
Smoking cigarettes or vaping
Signs and Symptoms
A fast, fluttering or pounding heartbeat (known as heart palpitations)
Chest pain
Dizziness and light-headedness
Fatigue
Weakness
Reduced ability to exercise
Shortness of breath
Atrial Fibrillation & SGK1
Our preclinical research has shown that one of our novel compounds (THRV-1268), effectively protects mice from obesity-related atrial fibrillation in an animal model of high-fat induced disease. Subsequently, necessary safety pharmacology studies of this compound were completed prior to the initiation of clinical studies. In 2024, a Phase 1 clinical study of THRV-1268 in healthy volunteers was successfully completed. A Phase 2 proof-of-concept clinical study in patients with obesity-related paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is expected to begin in 2025.
If you are concerned about your personal health, please speak to a specialist or your healthcare provider urgently.