Clinical profile of patients with atrial fibrillation in an outpatient setting of a hospital in India: A cross-sectional study

• Published in: MRIMS journal of health sciences
• Main Authors: Reddy, K. Shivaraj, Juvvadi, Rithima, Reddy, K. Sindhuja
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 11.07.2024
• ISSN: 2321-7006; 2321-7294
• DOI: 10.4103/mjhs.mjhs_29_24

Abstract Background: There has been an increasing trend of prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) globally. As per estimates, there is a possibility of doubling or tripling of AF cases by 2050. Early diagnosis by common symptom screening can help prevent complications in patients with AF. Objective: The objective of this study was to study the causes, symptoms, and complications of AF. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 100 cases of AF who presented to the outpatient department for follow-up. History, thorough clinical examination, and investigations such as electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram were carried out for all cases. For all cases, 12-lead ECG was recorded. M-mode two-dimension echocardiography was done in all cases. Results: As age increased, the proportion of AF increased. The most important and leading cause of AF across all age groups and both sexes was rheumatic heart disease (RHD). There was a slight female preponderance. The most common valvular lesion in RHD was a combination of mitral stenosis and mitral regurgitation in 40%. The most common symptom was dyspnea (92%) followed by palpitations (84%). The most common complication was heart failure (40%) followed by left atrial clots (10%). Conclusion: RHD was the most common cause of AF. Mitral valve was affected in almost all cases. Dyspnea and palpitations were the most common presenting symptoms. Heart failure was the most common complication. Screening for AF in all cases with dyspnea and palpitations can help with early diagnosis and prompt treatment of AF and can prevent further complications.