Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Burden: Explanation and Clinical Context Atrial Fibrillation (AF) burden refers to the cumulative duration of AF episodes experienced by a patient per day, typically measured via continuous ECG monitoring or implantable devices. It is quantified in minutes/day and provides valuable prognostic information beyond AF presence alone.
Studies show that higher AF burden is associated with increased risk of thromboembolic events, heart failure progression, and mortality. Low AF burden (<60 min/day) generally carries a lower risk, while intermediate (1–6 h/day) and high burden (>6 h/day) categories are progressively associated with higher adverse outcomes.
This tool allows clinicians to quickly estimate daily AF burden, interpret risk, and guide therapeutic decisions such as anticoagulation or rhythm control strategies.
Reference:
Chen LY, et al. Atrial Fibrillation Burden and Stroke Risk: Implications for Anticoagulation. Circulation. 2018;137:831-839. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.117.032119