The importance of age: independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation in isolated rheumatic mitral stenosis

Aim: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequent in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS). Numerous factors have been proposed to support the pathogenesis of AF in mitral stenosis. Because of the most leading rhythm for morbidity and mortality, the identification of independent risk factors is very important for the prevention, and treatment of AF. The present study investigated the risk factors for atrial fibrillations with moderate to severe mitral stenosis. Material and Methods: This retrospective study included 307 patients (217 female, 90 male) with isolated moderate to severe rheumatic mitral stenosis. The populations were organized according to the existence of atrial fibrillation. The patients separated into two groups; as Group 1 with atrial fibrillation (188 patients), as Group II without atrial fibrillation (119 patients). A comparison of two groups was made according to age, MVA, MVG, SPAP, left atrium diameter and mean valve score. Results: According to group1 (atrial fibrillation group) and group 2 (no atrial fibrillation), left atrium diameter was 4.60±0.61 vs. 4.73±0.71; respectively, p=0.132, MVA was 1.09±0.18 vs. 1.20±0.85; respectively, p=0.360), MVG was 11.31±3.86 vs. 10.78±3.32; respectively, p=0.251, SPAP was 48.41± 14.83 vs. 47.80±13,45; respectively, p=0.813, and mean mitral valve score was 7.60±1.77 vs. 7.72±1.66; respectively, p=0.613. All of them were similar in both groups. Age was significantly higher in patients with atrial fibrillation (42.45±12.37 vs. 34.77±10.50; p<0.001, respectively) Conclusion: This study presented that the age is an important factor for genesis of AF.