Abstract

LOPEZ-MASES, Patricia et al. Characteristics of people affected by atrial fibrillation in a cardiology office. Gerokomos [online]. 2016, vol.27, n.2, pp.58-62. ISSN 1134-928X.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has a high old prevalence. The main objective is describe and asses the characteristics of the population affected and the relationships between different measurable aspects. Methodology: Descriptive and inferential study with convenience sampling, selecting all patients with AF episodes associated with heart rate (HR) above 80 ppm or they have reverted to sinus rhythm, obtaining a sample of 65 people. Sociodemographic data have been collected, type of AF, variations in HR, emergency department visits and complications. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.17.0. Results: The mean age was 65 years. Paroxysmal AF is associated with higher initial HR group of persistent AF, which is related to older ages. The group attended the emergency department have higher initial heart rate. There are significant differences, associating directly to the emergency consultations with episodes of atrial fibrillation with high HRrequiring patient referral. At older ages, there is more association of individual risk factors with which it relates. Conclusions: The FA is one of the most prevalent arrhythmia with a high health costs and a deteriorating quality of life, being the key activities aimed at early detection and adequate treatment to improve it.

Keywords : atrial fibrillation; elderly; cardiology nursing.

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