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Published on: February 26, 2013
[Prevalence of atrial fibrillation and relationed factors in a population in the centre Madrid]
F J Candel1, M Matesanz, F Cogolludo
1Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos, Madrid, Spain.
Insights
The prevalence of atrial fibrillation in central Madrid is 2.52% for individuals over 40. This common heart arrhythmia
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Context:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia.
- AF is a significant risk factor for stroke (ictus).
- Understanding AF prevalence is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of atrial fibrillation in a central Madrid district.
- To analyze risk factors associated with non-valvular and valvular AF.
Summary:
- A retrospective study analyzed 13,945 patient records from a Madrid primary care center (2000-2002).
- The global prevalence of atrial fibrillation in patients over 40 was 2.52%.
- Common risk factors included hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and left ventricular dysfunction.
Impact:
- Findings indicate AF prevalence in Madrid is comparable to other European regions.
- This data can inform local healthcare planning and preventative measures for stroke risk.
Introduction:
Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia on clinical practice and an important risk factor for ictus. The aim of this study was to know the prevalence of this arrythmia in a central district of Madrid.
Material And Methods:
A retrospective study was done analysing medical records of 13,945 patients belonging to a primary care centre of Madrid. Time of study: recruitment of data from September 2000 to May 2001; analysis of data: from September 2001 to May 2002.
Results:
We obtained a total of 425 atrial fibrillations, 348 non-valvular and 77 valvular. Global prevalence of atrial fibrillation in patients over 40 years in our area was 2.52%. (2.47% male, 2.55% female). Risk factors for atrial fibrillation more frequently found in non-valvular were high blood pressure (HBP), diabetes, ischaemic heart disease and left ventricular dysfunction. Among valvulars we found HBP, left atrial size over 45 mm and left ventricular dysfunction.
Conclusions:
Atrial fibrillation shows a prevalence and distribution in the studied area similar to that found in other European countries.
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