Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder in the world, with 
major public health impact especially due to increased risk of stroke and 
hospitalizations. The recently published results on epidemiology of atrial 
fibrillation from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors 
Study confirm the existence of a significant and progressive worldwide increase 
in the burden of atrial fibrillation. However, there appears to be regional 
variation in both the burden of atrial fibrillation and availability of 
epidemiological data regarding this condition. In this review, the authors 
identify issues that are unique to the developed versus developing regions and 
outline a road map for possible approaches to surveillance, management, and 
prevention of atrial fibrillation at the global level.