Atrial fibrillation: risk factors and comorbidities in a tertiary center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia worldwide and carries significant risk of morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of AF is high in significant parts of the world, but not much is known from countries, such as Saudi Arabia. Aims: To study the risk factors, etiologies, comorbidities, and outcome of AF in Saudi Arabia. Patients and methods: A retrospective study was conducted in King Abdul-Aziz Hospital in Jeddah during the period 2010-2017. Data were collected from both the electronic-and paper-based medical records of patients with AF. The data included the demographic information, adverse lifestyle (smoking and obesity), cardiothoracic surgery, and comorbidities. Results: A total of 167 patients were included in the analysis (43% were males). The mean age was 63.3 +/- 35 years and the mean body mass index was 28.8 +/- 83. Hypertension (HTN) was the most prevalent risk factor encountered (73.1%). This was followed by valvular heart disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which occurred in 58.7% and 53.3% of patients, respectively. Valvular heart disease was significantly associated with older age (P=0.002) and coronary artery disease (CAD) (P=0.001). Heart failure (HF) was associated with HTN (P=0.005), coronary heart disease (P=0.001), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (P=0.003). Conclusion: AF was more prevalent among females in Saudi Arabia. HTN, valvular heart disease, and T2DM were the most prevalent risk factors of AF in Saudi Arabia. Valvular heart disease was more prevalent among older patients and significantly associated with CAD. HTN, CAD, and CKD were the most significant risk factors for HF in patients with AF.