Risk factors and comorbidities that predispose to atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Objective. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice affecting 1-2% of the world population. It is characterized by high-frequency atrial excitation, consequent asynchronous contraction, and irregular ventricular excitation. Risk factors and comorbidities predispose to AF by altering the extracellular matrix, altering the function of fibroblasts and fat cells, ion channels, myocytes, the autonomic nervous system, endothelial and vascular changes. The study aimed to identify risk factors and comorbidities that were statistically significantly associated with the onset of AF. Methods. The study was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Krupa Health Center at Uni in the period from 1 November 2017 to 1 January 2019. Data were collected through medical history, physical examination, electrocardiograms, laboratory diagnostics, ultrasound examination and available medical records. Data processing was performed using standard statistical methods. Results. The study included 145 randomly selected patients, 96 (66.2%) women and 49 (33.8%) men., average age 63 ± 9.8 years. AF was more common in women older than 60 years and people consuming alcohol (p<0.05). Comorbidities associated with FA are: left ventricular hypertrophy, mitral regurgitation, hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and obesity (p<0.05). Conclusion. Early detection, timely and adequate management of comorbidity and risk factors of FA prevents or slows the progression of AF, raises the quality of life of patients, reduces the costs of health care and work absenteeism.