The Health and Economic Impact of Atrial Fibrillation: Social Security Benefits for Workers in Italy.

Abstract: Background: The aim of this research was to analyze trends in social security applications in Italy as a result of the onset of atrial fibrillation, analyzing data pertaining to the classification of professions and assessing the economic impact on the social security system. Methods: We ana- lyzed all applications for invalidity allowances and invalidity pensions throughout Italy over a 10-year period from 01.01.2009 to 31.12.2019, giving specific attention to all reports indicating atrial fibrillation as the principal diagnosis (Cod. ICD-9-CM 427.31). We then extracted the relative ex- penditure data for said benefits. The results of all analyses have been collated in tables. Results: Over the period in question, a total of 3468 applications for assistance were filed throughout Italy indicating a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, of which 58% were rejected, 41% qualified for an inva- lidity allowance, and only 1.1% qualified for a pension. On average, every year, 1100 workers re- ceived social security benefits as a result of a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, which equates to an average annual expenditure of EUR 10 million. A comparison of the data from the first observation year (2009) with data from the last (2019) shows a rising trend in the number of beneficiaries and consequently in expenses. Conclusions: The social security assistance provided by the Italian gov- ernment by means of the National Institute of Social Security is fundamental to social cohesion and to those who are either permanently disabled from working or those with a significantly dimin- ished earning capacity. This assistance is associated with a significant financial cost, which requires careful monitoring.