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 is increasing due to improved treatment of chronic cardiac and noncardiac diseases, as well as better detection and diagnosis. Currently, the prevalence of AF is estimated at 2%, double that reported a decade ago. AF prevalence varies with age and sex, affecting 0.12%-0.16% of those under 49 years, 3.7%-4.2% of those aged 60-70, and 10%-17% of those over 80. It is more common in males, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1. The incidence of AF 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 often associated with cardiac disease and comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, and stroke. Paroxysmal AF is more common in younger patients and those with fewer cardiac issues. AF patients have a five-fold higher risk of stroke and a two-fold higher risk of death. By 2030, the number of AF patients in Europe is projected to be 14-17 million, with 120,000-215,000 new cases annually. Given the significant morbidity and mortality associated with AF, these projections have major public health implications.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 is increasing due to improved treatment of chronic cardiac and noncardiac diseases, as well as better detection and diagnosis. Currently, the prevalence of AF is estimated at 2%, double that reported a decade ago. AF prevalence varies with age and sex, affecting 0.12%-0.16% of those under 49 years, 3.7%-4.2% of those aged 60-70, and 10%-17% of those over 80. It is more common in males, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1. The incidence of AF 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 often associated with cardiac disease and comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, and stroke. Paroxysmal AF is more common in younger patients and those with fewer cardiac issues. AF patients have a five-fold higher risk of stroke and a two-fold higher risk of death. By 2030, the number of AF patients in Europe is projected to be 14-17 million, with 120,000-215,000 new cases annually. Given the significant morbidity and mortality associated with AF, these projections have major public health implications.