Prevalencia de fibrilación auricular en pacientes con diagnóstico hipertensión arterial entre los 45 a 65 años del Hospital Naval de Guayaquil durante el período 2018 – 2022.

Abstract

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, characterized by an irregular and rapid heart rhythm, especially prevalent in people with arterial hypertension (AHT). The bidirectional relationship between AF and HT facilitates myocardial structural remodeling and aggravates cardiovascular function. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of atrial fibrillation in patients with a diagnosis of arterial hypertension the 45 to 65 years of age at the Guayaquil Naval Hospital during the period 2018 - 2022. Methodology: A cross-sectional, retrospective and observational study was conducted at the Hospital Naval de Guayaquil (HOSNAG) of 100 patients who met the inclusion criteria by reviewing the medical records of the health institution. Results: Of the 100 patients who were included in the study, 72% presented atrial fibrillation. The mean age was 61.5 years, and 57% were men. Valvular heart disease was the most common cardiovascular complication (17%), followed by atherosclerotic disease (15%). A significant association was found between body mass index and atrial fibrillation (p = 0.039) and between atrial fibrillation and hypercholesterolemia (p = 0.004). In addition, atherosclerotic disease also showed a significant association with atrial fibrillation (p = 0.046). Conclusion: Atrial fibrillation affected 72% of the hypertensive patients studied, with a mean age of 61.5 years. In addition, body mass index, hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerotic disease were significantly associated with the prevalence of atrial fibrillation in this population.