Atrial fibrillation (AF) has become a significant public health issue and a major contributor to healthcare costs in Western countries over the past two decades. The prevalence of AF has increased due to improved detection and treatment of chronic diseases, as well as aging populations. Current estimates show a prevalence of 2% in Europe, double that of the last decade. AF prevalence varies with age and sex, with higher rates in older adults and males. Incidence ranges from 0.21 to 0.41 per 1,000 person-years. Permanent AF occurs in about 50% of patients, while paroxysmal and persistent AF account for 25% each. AF is frequently associated with cardiac diseases and comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Patients with AF have a five-fold higher risk of stroke and a two-fold higher risk of death. By 2030, it is estimated that 14–17 million Europeans will have AF, with 120,000–215,000 new cases annually. AF is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, posing major public health challenges. The progression from paroxysmal to permanent AF is influenced by age, cardiac disease, and comorbidities. AF is linked to increased stroke risk, cognitive dysfunction, and heart failure. In Europe, the prevalence of AF is expected to rise to 2.7–3.3% by 2030, with over 10 million patients and 100,000–200,000 new cases annually. The increasing burden of AF highlights the need for improved prevention, treatment, and healthcare system preparedness. The article emphasizes the importance of addressing risk factors and comorbidities to reduce AF-related complications.Atrial fibrillation (AF) has become a significant public health issue and a major contributor to healthcare costs in Western countries over the past two decades. The prevalence of AF has increased due to improved detection and treatment of chronic diseases, as well as aging populations. Current estimates show a prevalence of 2% in Europe, double that of the last decade. AF prevalence varies with age and sex, with higher rates in older adults and males. Incidence ranges from 0.21 to 0.41 per 1,000 person-years. Permanent AF occurs in about 50% of patients, while paroxysmal and persistent AF account for 25% each. AF is frequently associated with cardiac diseases and comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Patients with AF have a five-fold higher risk of stroke and a two-fold higher risk of death. By 2030, it is estimated that 14–17 million Europeans will have AF, with 120,000–215,000 new cases annually. AF is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, posing major public health challenges. The progression from paroxysmal to permanent AF is influenced by age, cardiac disease, and comorbidities. AF is linked to increased stroke risk, cognitive dysfunction, and heart failure. In Europe, the prevalence of AF is expected to rise to 2.7–3.3% by 2030, with over 10 million patients and 100,000–200,000 new cases annually. The increasing burden of AF highlights the need for improved prevention, treatment, and healthcare system preparedness. The article emphasizes the importance of addressing risk factors and comorbidities to reduce AF-related complications.