FREQUENCY OF ASYMPTOMATIC ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN PATIENTS ATTENDING CARDIOLOGY OPD
Keywords:
Asymptomatic atrial fibrillation, anticoagulation, echocardiographyAbstract
Objectives: To study the frequency of asymptomatic atrial fibrillation in patients attending cardiology OPD.
Material and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted from January 2007 to January 2008. A total of one
thousand patients attending cardiology out patient department of the PGMI Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar
were included. ECG was done and those found having atrial fibrillation were asked regarding symptoms and
eligibility for anticoagulation according to the preformed questionnaire. They were further investigated to know the
cause of atrial fibrillation.
Results: Out of 1000 subjects 517(51.7%) were male and 483(48.3%) were female , mean age was 66.74 years +
7.06SD. Out of total patients, 48(4.8%) were found to have atrial fibrillation. 42(87.5%) patients were symptomatic and
6(12.5%) patients were asymptomatic. Amongst 48 patients with atrial fibrillation 25(52.1%) were eligible for
anticoagulation and 23(47.9%) were not eligible. Out of atrial fibrillation patients, 30(62.5%) were male and 18(37.5%)
were female.
Conclusion: Atrial fibrillation is not uncommon in our community. These patients are at increased risk of vascular
events and stroke. Timely detection and oral anticoagulation can alter the outcome in these patients.
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