Epidemiology of atrial fibrillation in northeast China: a cross-sectional study, 2017–2019

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the epidemiology of atrial fibrillation (AF) in northeast China.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey using a multistage, stratified and cluster random sampling method was conducted in Liaoning Province between September 2017 and March 2019. A total of 18 796 participants (28.9% urban, 71.1% rural) aged ≥40 years were included. All participants completed a questionnaire and underwent a physical examination and ECG. AF was diagnosed according to history and ECG findings.ResultsThe overall AF prevalence was 1.1%; it increased steeply with age. AF was more prevalent in men than in women (1.5% vs 0.9%, p<0.001); however, the difference between urban and rural areas was not significant (1.3% vs 1.1%, p=0.228). Among the AF population, the overall AF awareness rate was 52.6%, higher in women than in men (61.5% vs 44.1%, p=0.011); however, the difference between areas was not statistically significant (60.0% vs 49.0%, p=0.129). According to the CHA2DS-VASc score, almost all (90.2%, 194/215) of our subjects required oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy; however, only 4.1% actually received it. Moreover, hypertension (66.5%), dyslipidaemia (32.6%) and diabetes (24.2%) were highly prevalent in patients with AF, but their control rates were unacceptably low (7.0%, 8.6% and 28.8%, respectively).ConclusionsThe burden of AF in northeast China was substantial. Underuse of OAC therapy and uncontrolled comorbidities will likely contribute to the cardiovascular outcomes of patients with AF in the coming decades. Long-term management strategies for AF and related risk factors are required in northeast China.

Epidemiological Features of Hypertension Among Ischemic Survivors in Northeast China: Insights From A Population-Based Study, 2017-2019

“…7 Previous studies have consistently con rmed that the management of hypertension could signi cantly reduce the likelihood of stroke recurrence and long-term adverse outcomes in patients with a history of ischemic stroke. 8 In our previous study, we found that hypertension was prevalent in rural northeast China's stroke population; 6 however, detailed information regarding this remains unclear. In the present study, we conducted a cross-sectional survey to pro le the current hypertensive status of the ischemic stroke population for future research on secondary prevention strategies in northeast China.…”

“…Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. 6,10 The prevalence time was determined as August 31, 2017, while new onset stroke cases during the survey were excluded in the calculation of stroke prevalence. Participants with a doubtful or certain history of stroke were further con rmed by well-trained neurologists in accordance with the World Health Organization recommendations.…”

“…The data collection and measurement strategy used has been described previously. 6,10,12 After at least 5 min of rest in a seated position in the morning, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured three times at 2-min intervals using a standardized automatic electronic sphygmomanometer (J30; Omron, Kyoto, Japan). Hypertension was diagnosed according to the following Chinese hypertension guidelines: SBP ≥ 140 mm Hg or a mean DBP ≥ 90 mm Hg and/or self-reported use of antihypertensive medication in the past 2 weeks.…”

“…5 Patients with recurrent strokes were more likely to have worse functional disabilities than those with only one stroke. 6 Therefore, stroke recurrence remains an ongoing health concern and secondary prevention must be emphasized.…”

Correlation between serum homocysteine, Galectin-3 concentration and atrial structural remodeling in atrial fibrillation patients

“…Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common arrhythmias seen in clinical practice. An epidemiological study reports the total incidence of AF in China to be 1.1% [1]. As the proportion of older persons in a population continues to increase, so does the incidence of atrial fibrillation.…”