The Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation Among Acute Medical Admission in Kuwait University Hospital in Sana'a City

Objectives: The aim of the study is to Determine, prevalence, possible risk factors, aetiology and outcome of patient with atrial fibrillation admitted into medical and cardiac units at Kuwait University hospital during 2014-2017. Methods and patients: Cross sectional retrospective review of all files of patients admitted to hospital during 2014 t0 2017. We reviewed 2030 Cardiac cases among which 179 were atrial fibrillation. Special form was designed to record general characters, risk factors & out come during hospitalization. Results: The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (A F) was 8% (179/2030). The male to female ratio was 5:4 and their main age was 54±9. The common risk factors were ischemic heart disease, Qat chewer, hyperlipidemia, rheumatic heart disease and smoker represented to (46%,41%, 39%, 38%,38%) respectively. Transthoracic echo was performed for all patients and revealed that 92 (51.9%) had systolic dysfunction, while only 34(18.9%) patient had diastolic dysfunction. Mitral stenosis was detected in 30 (16.7%) patients among rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Regarding outcome of AF we found that 137(77%) was improved and discharged, while 42 (13.4%) was expired, however, 18 patients (10%) was referred to other hospitals. Conclusion: The prevalence of AF in this study was higher than that reported from other countries, and occurred in younger age group. Ischemic heart disease and RHD were prominent risk factors for AF in this study.