A population-based study of mortality among patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter.

Purpose: To determine the mortality associated with atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation in the general population.

Subjects And Methods: Using the Marshfield Epidemiologic Study Area, a database that captures nearly all medical care and deaths among its 58,820 residents, we identified patients diagnosed with atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation from July 1, 1991, through June 30, 1995. Patients were followed prospectively and compared with a group of controls without these arrhythmias.