Risk factors for atrial fibrillation in Ibadan, Nigeria: A case-controlled study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Epidemiology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent arrhythmia and a significant risk factor for stroke.
• The incidence of AF increases with age and is often associated with underlying cardiac conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and describe the risk factors associated with atrial fibrillation in the Nigerian population.

Main Methods:

• A hospital-based case-controlled study was conducted.
• Adults diagnosed with AF (cases) were age- and sex-matched with individuals without AF (controls).
• Data collected included socio-demographics, clinical history, cardiovascular risk factors, comorbidities, and echocardiographic findings.

Main Results:

• Independent predictors of AF included increased left atrial dimension (aOR=6.49), increased left ventricular internal dimension in diastole (aOR=3.13), lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (aOR=0.93), higher total cholesterol (aOR=1.02), and lower HDL cholesterol (aOR=0.94).
• Cases exhibited significantly higher pulse rates and lower blood pressure compared to controls.
• Family history of cardiovascular disease, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, myocardial infarction, congenital heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, and stroke were more prevalent in cases.

Conclusions:

• Left atrial dimension, left ventricular internal dimension in diastole, eGFR, total cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol are independent predictors of AF.
• High stroke rates were observed in the AF population.
• Population-level modification of these risk factors and appropriate AF management, including anticoagulation, can prevent or reduce AF and stroke incidence.