The research team from the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology announced on July 30, 2025, research results analyzing regional disparities in atrial fibrillation hospitalization rates and catheter ablation implementation rates in Japan. The research analyzed relationships with climatic and socioeconomic factors and was published in "Circulation Reports," the official English journal of the Japanese Circulation Society.
Research results showed no regional disparities in atrial fibrillation hospitalization rates, but regional disparities exist in catheter ablation implementation rates. An important finding revealed that the number of arrhythmia specialists strongly correlates with catheter ablation implementation numbers. Regions with more specialists showed higher ablation implementation rates, and consequently demonstrated suppressive effects on atrial fibrillation hospitalization rates.
This research clarifies that treatment opportunity disparities exist even under the universal health insurance system, suggesting that the presence of arrhythmia specialists is an important factor for achieving equitable atrial fibrillation treatment nationwide in Japan. It serves as important foundational material for future healthcare policy formulation.