Key result
Atrial fibrillation in a rural Indian community was primarily caused by non-rheumatic risk factors, with poor stroke prophylaxis adherence (only 2 patients on anticoagulants and 3 with prior stroke).
Why the study?
AF burden in the community and the practice of stroke prophylaxis had not been studied in India, particularly in rural regions.
Cross-Sectional
This study highlights a lower prevalence of atrial fibrillation in rural India compared to developed countries, but reveals a significant gap in stroke prophylaxis and monitoring.
Rural AF prevalence and stroke risk data in India remain limited; leaves open need for prospective validation before guiding practice.
The burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasing worldwide. It is often asymptomatic, with stroke being the first manifestation in some. AF burden in the community and the practice of stroke prophylaxis has not been studied in India. The problem might be higher in rural regions due to poor health awareness and challenges to healthcare access. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of AF, clinical profile and stroke risk in rural India. METHODS: This is a community-based cross-sectional study done in rural Andhra Pradesh (AP). Adults from 40 villages formed the study population. We did a door-to door survey to collect information on demographics, and medical history. Electrocardiogram was recorded using a smart phone based Alivecor device. Participants diagnosed with AF underwent echocardiogram. Study cardiologists assessed the cardiovascular risk profile and collected detailed medical history. RESULTS: Vasc score of ≥2. Three had history of stroke. Two were on anticoagulant therapy but without INR monitoring. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of AF is lower in this study compared to studies from the developed countries. Non-rheumatic cardiovascular risk factors were primary causes for AF. Non-adherence to stroke prophylaxis is a major threat that needs to be addressed.
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Saggu et al. (2022) conducted a cross-sectional in Atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation was evaluated on Prevalence of AF, clinical profile and stroke risk. Atrial fibrillation in a rural Indian community was primarily caused by non-rheumatic risk factors, with poor stroke prophylaxis adherence (only 2 patients on anticoagulants and 3 with prior stroke).
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