Analysis of 263,172 Swedish patients with atrial fibrillation revealed striking educational gradients in cardiovascular outcomes over five years. Academic education reduced heart failure risk by 18-24% and acute myocardial infarction risk by 25-29% compared to primary education only, with secondary education showing intermediate protection. Stroke risk declined significantly only among those with academic credentials. This massive population study illuminates how socioeconomic factors create profound health disparities even within healthcare systems with universal access. The educational gradient likely reflects multiple mechanisms: higher health literacy enabling better medication adherence and lifestyle management, earlier recognition of warning symptoms, and potentially differential quality of care. However, the study's observational design cannot establish causation—educational attainment correlates with income, occupation, and social networks that independently influence health. The baseline finding that lower-educated patients entered the study with higher comorbidity burdens suggests accumulated disadvantages throughout life. As this remains a preprint awaiting peer review, these striking findings require validation. If confirmed, the results argue for targeted interventions addressing health literacy and care coordination among vulnerable populations with atrial fibrillation, potentially reducing substantial cardiovascular morbidity.