Clinical Characteristics Of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation In China At Present

Objectives: To establish a data on the epidemiological and clinical features of atrial fibrillation, as well as the rate of thromboembolism and it's associated risk factors in China, with the purpose of providing basis for the management of atrial fibrillation and it's complications. Methods: Consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation who visited our hospital between 1984 and 1999 were enrolled, the epidemiological and clinical features of the patients ,as well as the occurrence of ischemic events were examined and recorded. Results: The study population comprise 989 atrial fibrillation patients, among whom 595 were male, making a significant greater proportion. The mean age of atrial fibrillation patients was 55.1?4.7 years. Valvular heart disease account for 50.7% of all atrial fibrillation, remained the commonest reason for atrial fibrillation in China, 57,9% of whom was younger than 50 years. The prevalence of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation was age related. The thromboembolism events is 14.4% in China, with 13.2% in valvular fibrillation and 15.6% in non-valvular fibrillation. Conclusion: The atrial fibrillation population was about a decade younger than the developed countries, more than half of them are valvular fibrillation with high emboliccomplications. The prophylaxis of atrial fibrillation and it's complications should be highlighted in the clinical practise.