The burden and trend prediction of atrial fibrillation and flutter associated with lead exposure: insights from the global burden of disease study 2021

Lead exposure is an important, preventable contributor to the rising global burden of AF/AFL, particularly among older adults and populations in low-SDI regions. Mechanistically, lead may increase AF/AFL risk through both direct myocardial effects and the amplification of established cardiovascular risk factors, notably hypertension. Our findings support urgent global policy action to reduce environmental lead exposure as an integral strategy for cardiovascular and arrhythmia prevention.