[Prevalence of atrial fibrillation and predictors of its occurrence in patients with dual-chamber pacemakers]

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with dual-chamber pacemakers (DP), determine the variables associated with development of AF and evaluate the changes in AF's management by physicians.

Methods: Five hundred patients with DP were prospectively included and interrogated. When AF was detected physicians in charge of the patient were warned. Changes in AF's management were evaluated.

Results: Mean age of the study population was 77 years, with 51% of men. AF was detected in 13.2% of patients. These findings led treatment changes in 64.7%. The variables analyzed by logistic regression model which were associated with the occurrence of AF were: arterial hypertension (OR=2.62; CI 95% 1.01-6.8; P<.048), history of AF (OR=4.30; CI 95% 2.26-8.32; P<.001), sick sinus syndrome as cause of device implantation (OR=2.09; CI 95% 1.09-3.97; P<.025) and burden of supraventricular extrasystoles series(OR= 1.000033 per serie; CI 95% 0.000011-0.000055; P<.003.).

Conclusion: We have detected a high prevalence of AF in patients with DP. The diagnose of AF led to change in treatment. Four clinical variables increase the likelihood of developing this arrhythmia.

Keywords: Argentina; Atrial fibrillation; Dual-chamber pacemakers; Extrasístoles supraventriculares; Fibrilación auricular; Marcapasos bicamerales; Supraventricular extrasystoles.