Hudson College Faculty Highlights Atrial Fibrillation Burden Among American Indians in National Webinar

Dr. Tauqeer Ali, a faculty member in the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, recently shared critical research findings on atrial fibrillation among American Indian populations during a webinar hosted by the American College of Cardiology (ACC), Oklahoma Chapter.

The webinar, held on December 11, 2025, addressed atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart rhythm disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Dr. Ali’s presentation drew heavily on data from the Strong Heart Study, a landmark, long-running study of cardiovascular disease in American Indian communities. Dr. Ali serves as Principal Investigator for the Oklahoma Field Center of the Strong Heart Study at the Hudson College of Public Health.

During the session, Dr. Ali presented data on the prevalence and patterns of AF among American Indians and compared these findings with other U.S. population groups. His analysis highlighted a substantial and often underrecognized burden of AF in American Indian communities, coupled with a high prevalence of modifiable risk factors.

Dr. Ali also discussed key risk factors and comorbid conditions associated with AF, emphasizing how these factors may act through shared biological and social pathways to increase AF risk. Importantly, he underscored significant treatment gaps identified across multiple data sources, pointing to missed opportunities for early detection, prevention, and effective management.

“Across multiple data sources, it is clear that American Indians carry a real and meaningful burden of atrial fibrillation,” Dr. Ali noted during the presentation. “The high prevalence of modifiable risk factors, combined with substantial treatment gaps, underscores the urgent need for improved detection, prevention, and management strategies developed in close partnership with tribal communities.

This webinar reflects the Hudson College of Public Health’s ongoing commitment to advancing health equity through research, education, and collaboration with tribal nations to address cardiovascular health disparities and improve health outcomes in American Indian populations.