Etiological factors responsible for Atrial Fibrillation
Author(s): Rahul Gambhir
Abstract
Background: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is most common chronic rhythm disorder in cardiovascular diseases with various underlying etiologies. Electrocardiogram is the most important investigation in these patients with other investigations may helpful in differential diagnosis. Primary treatment targets in these patients are control of ventricular rate and prevention of embolic complications, while reversion to normal sinus rhythm is achievable in very few patients.
Aims of study: The aims of this study was to collect and compare data of atrial fibrillation patients to various other studies done in our country as well as from western countries .
Material and Methods: The present clinical study was conducted on patients of AF of various etiologies admitted in PDU Medical college & general hospital Rajkot between the period of Nov2002 to October 2004 till total 150 patients (fulfilling the inclusion criteria) were finalized for the study.
Results: Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) was most common etiology affecting young aged female particularly. Most of the patients achieved good ventricular rate with Digoxin, CCBs and β-blockers. Anticoagulants used in fewer patients.
Conclusion: In present study of AF, RHD was the commonest etiology in our setup with no change in that trend, comparing the studies from our country in last few decades. In future, non-communicable diseases like IHD would replace infectious diseases like RHD. The availability of coagulation tests at smaller centers and development of newer and safer molecules would increase the use of anticoagulants in these patients, which would decrease the mortality and morbidity further.
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