ANALYSIS OF HYPERTENSION AS A RISK FACTOR FOR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AMONG LOCAL POPULATION OF PAKISTAN

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major clinical and public health problem in the United States and worldwide. It is estimated that up to 2% of the U.S. adult population suffers from AF. Aims and objectives: The main objective of the study is to analyse the hypertension as a risk factor for atrial fibrillation among local population of Pakistan. Material and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Sahiwal medical college during January 2019 to June 2019. The data was collected from 100 patients who visited the OPD of the hospital regularly. The data was collected through a questionnaire. The following parameters were recorded: Age, gender, and previous history of hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and dyslipidemia. Charts of patients who had no previous history of any of the primary risk factors were also reviewed. Results: The data was collected from 100 patients. Among 50 cases, 36% were exercising and 64% were not exercising and among 100 controls 67% were exercising and 33% were not exercising. Hypertension is recognized as the most common risk factor of stroke in this study. Out of n = 50 cases, 39 cases (78%) were hypertensive, having p = 0. 000 and Odd ratio of 4.16 with relative risk of 2.7. Conclusion: AF affects millions of people worldwide and, left untreated, increases the risk and severity of stroke, heart failure and death. Hypertension is the most important risk factor of AF