Associated Factors to Atrial Fibrillation in Diabetics at a Peruvian Northern Hospital

Abstract

Studies have demonstrated that patients with diabetes mellitus have higher risk of developing Atrial Fibrillation compared to those without Diabetes Mellitus. The aim of this research was to identify the factors associated with AF in diabetic patients in Piura, Peru. A cross-sectional study included diabetic patients over 18 years old, treated in the internal medicine department for hospitalization, emergencies, and referrals. Conducted at a Hospital, located in Piura in northern Peru. A frequency of 50.36% of diabetic patients with AF was determined. For the adjusted model, age, alcoholism, and elevated glycosylated hemoglobin levels were considered for inclusion, in addition to gender due to biological reasoning to suspect an association with AF. Only age (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR): 0.97; 95% CI: 0.968-0.987; p-value < 0.001) and alcoholism (aPR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.132-1.835; p-value = 0.003) were found as associated factors. Being younger and having alcoholism were significantly associated with the onset of atrial fibrillation in diabetic patients.