Atrial fibrillation in Andhra Pradesh- The AP-AF study
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Overview
Studies conducted in India have shown wide variations in atrial fibrillation prevalence, ranging from 0.1 to 1.6 (%). Unfortunately, in India population-based information on atrial fibrillation is limited. Moreover, the available knowledge on atrial Fibrillation and oral anticoagulation (OAC) practices are largely derived from the hospital-based studies.
Recent study in Indian Heart Journal conducted a community-based cross-sectional study done in rural Andhra Pradesh (AP). Adults from 40 villages formed the study population. Door-to door survey was performed to collect information on demographics, and medical history. Electrocardiogram was recorded using a smart phone based device. Participants diagnosed with AF underwent echocardiogram. Study cardiologists assessed the cardiovascular risk profile and collected detailed medical history.
Fourteen of the 4281 individuals screened had AF. The study results showed that except for one, all were non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Three had history of stroke. Two were on anticoagulant therapy.
The prevalence of AF is lower in this study compared to studies from the developed countries. Non-rheumatic cardiovascular risk factors were primary causes for atrial fibrillation. So the authors concluded that non-adherence to stroke prophylaxis is a major threat that needs to be addressed.
Reference: Saggu DK, Rangaswamy VV, Yalagudri S, Sundar G, Reddy NK, Shah V, K K, Shankar M,Chennapragada S, Narasimhan C. Prevalence, clinical profile, and stroke risk of atrial fibrillation in rural Andhra Pradesh, India (the AP-AF study). Indian Heart J. 2022 Mar-Apr;74(2):86-90. doi: 10.1016/j.ihj.2022.02.002. Epub 2022 Mar 4. PMID: 35257736; PMCID: PMC9039683.
Speakers
Dr. Nandita Mohan
BDS, MDS( Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry)
Dr. Nandita Mohan is a practicing pediatric dentist with more than 5 years of clinical work experience. Along with this, she is equally interested in keeping herself up to date about the latest developments in the field of medicine and dentistry which is the driving force for her to be in association with Medical Dialogues. She also has her name attached with many publications; both national and international. She has pursued her BDS from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore and later went to enter her dream specialty (MDS) in the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry from Pt. B.D. Sharma University of Health Sciences. Through all the years of experience, her core interest in learning something new has never stopped. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751
