Clinico-Etiological Profile of Atrial Fibrillation in a Tertiary Care Hospital And Its Correlation to Atrial Size

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia seen in clinical practice. Echocardiographic findings are mostly related to the severity and prognosis of arrhythmia. This study was conducted to find out the etiological and clinical profile of patients with atrial fibrillation and its correlation transthoracic echocardiographic findings particularly with left atrial size. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 100 cases of atrial fibrillation admitted in cardiology and general medicine OPD and IPD over a period of one year were enrolled for the study. Detailed history and clinical examination were carried out. RESULTS: Out of 100 patients of atrial fibrillation 37 were male and 63 were female. Female to male ratio is 1.7:1. Majority of the patients were aged between 41 to 60 years. Rheumatic heart disease was found to be the most common cause. Breathlessness was the most common presenting complaint followed by palpitation. Left atrial size was increased in 61 patients in our study, cardiac failure was seen in 37 patients. CONCLUSION: To conclude from above study its clear rheumatic heart disease was found to be the most common cause of atrial fibrillation. Common presentations were shortness of breath, palpitations.Commonest finding in ECHO is increased left atrial size. A complete echocardiographic evaluation is must in patient diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, which helps in deciding the prognosis of the patient also helps in assessing the chances of developing thrombo-embolic episode