A STUDY OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE

BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia in clinical practice. Among Indians, rheumatic heart disease is the most common aetiological factor. In this study, we have evaluated atrial fibrillation in patients with chronic rheumatic heart disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a retrospective observational study. Case sheets of 75 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were studied. The clinical data and 2D echocardiography findings of the patients were studied. RESULTS 51 (68%) patients belonged to 21 to 40 years' age group. Females were more than males. 62 (82.7%) patients presented with dyspnoea followed by palpitations in 34 (45.3%). 70 (93%) had mitral stenosis. 39 (52%) had combined mitral stenosis with regurgitation. The mean left atrial size was 4.87 cm. 34 (45.3%) of total patients had clot in left atrium. Among the various valvular lesions, mitral stenosis had 33 (44%) of left atrial clot. Among mitral stenosis, 55 (78.6%) had severe stenosis with 30 (54.5%) of them having a left atrial clot. CONCLUSION The analysis of the present study gives us insight into the various aspects of valvular involvement in the patients of rheumatic heart disease with atrial fibrillation.