Volume : 13, Issue : 06, June – 2026
Title:
A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON THE PREVALENCE OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors :
Asma Anjum, Ayesha Batool, Fouzia Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Abstract :
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with increased risks of stroke, heart failure, thromboembolism, and mortality. Determining its prevalence and clinical characteristics among hospitalized patients is important for improving patient management and outcomes.
Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 150 patients admitted to the cardiology and general medicine departments of a tertiary care hospital over six months. Eligible patients were screened for AF using electrocardiographic evaluation. Demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, comorbidities, and treatment patterns were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: The overall prevalence of AF was 24% (36/150). AF was more common among patients aged above 60 years (50%) and males (61.1%). Palpitations (77.8%) and dyspnea (66.7%) were the most frequently reported symptoms. Hypertension (72.2%) and diabetes mellitus (50%) were the major associated comorbidities. Warfarin was the most commonly prescribed anticoagulant, and most patients had a hospital stay of 4–7 days.
Conclusion: AF is prevalent among hospitalized cardiovascular patients, particularly elderly males with multiple comorbidities. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to reduce complications and improve clinical outcomes.
Keywords: Atrial Fibrillation, Prevalence, Cardiac Arrhythmia, Hypertension, Anticoagulants, Hospitalized Patients, Cardiovascular Disease, Risk Factors.
Cite This Article:
Please cite this article in press Asma Anjum et al., A Cross-Sectional Study On The Prevalence Of Atrial Fibrillation In A Tertiary Care Hospital.., Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2026; 13(06).
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