Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly in Korea.
10.4235/jkgs.2016.20.1.29
- Author:
Jung Nam EUN
1
;
Jeong Gwan CHO
;
Sung Soo KIM
;
Hyung Wook PARK
;
Ki Hong LEE
;
Nam Sik YOON
;
Jong Yoon KIM
;
Ju Min WON
;
Min Ho SHIN
;
Jun Ho SHIN
Author Information
1. The Heart Center of Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea. chojg@unitel.co.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Atrial fibrillation;
Epidemiology;
Korea
- MeSH:
Aged*;
Arrhythmias, Cardiac;
Atrial Fibrillation*;
Electrocardiography;
Epidemiology;
Gwangju;
Health Promotion;
Heart Failure;
Humans;
Korea*;
Logistic Models;
Male;
Mass Screening;
Obesity;
Physical Examination;
Prevalence*;
Risk Factors;
Stroke
- From:Journal of the Korean Geriatrics Society
2016;20(1):29-35
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia particularly in the elderly and a potent risk factor for ischemic stroke. Screening for AF in asymptomatic individuals might prevent strokes by earlier detection and anticoagulation therapy. We investigated the prevalence of AF in the Korean elderly and its clinical characteristics. METHODS: This study included 1,483 participants (839 males, 644 females) ≥60 years (72.9±5.4 years) who had undergone electrocardiogram (ECG) screening at the senior health promotion center, Gwangju, from March 2014 to June 2014. Their assessments included 12 lead electrocardiograms, questionnaires and physical examinations. RESULTS: AF was detected in 46 individuals (3.1%), and newly detected in 20 of these 46 (43.4%). The prevalence of AF increased sharply with age-1.0% in 60-69 years group, 3.3% in 70-79 years group, and 7.2% in ≥80 years group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR], 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.17; p<0.001), male gender (OR 5.28, 95% CI 2.04-13.66; p=0.001), obesity (body mass index>25kg/m2) (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.14-4.11; p=0.017), and heart failure (OR, 8.74; 95% CI, 1.45-52.46, p=0.018) were associated with increased risk for AF. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of AF in the Korean elderly was 3.1% and increased steeply with age from 1.0% to 7.2%. Screening with ECG may be considered as nearly half (43.4%) of AF cases were newly detected.
