International Journal of Medicine Research

Authors
Dr. Taha Ali Sulaiman, Dr. Raid Hamid Abdulghafoor, Dr. Sarmad Mohammed Oeayed

Abstract
Background: AF is common arrhythmia that is associated with increase risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalance of AF versus advancing age and the presence of risk factors among them in Al-Ramadi teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: A total of one hundred eleven patients with a diagnosed atrial fibrillation were included in this cross-sectional study conducted in Al- Ramadi Teaching Hospital in the period from 1^st of May to 1^st of August 2010. Their mean age was 60.3 year with SD (14.1). They are arranged in four age groups. 60 patients (54%) were males & 51 (46%) where females. The presences of known risk factors were recorded. Correlation was examined between the number of patient suffering from AF in each age group in male and female and risk factors. P< 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The study revealed that the numbers of AF patients were steeply increased in parallel with advancing age, and that the numbers of male patients were more than female. There was a positive correlation between prevalence of AF patients and numbers of AF risk factors. Advancing age and non-valvular heart diseases were the most common risk factors affecting the prevalence of AF patients. Conclusion: Advancing age and non - valvular heart diseases are the most common risk factors. The prevalence of males suffering AF more than females.