CARDIOVASCULAR RISK-FACTORS, ECG ABNORMAL ITIES AND QUALITY-OF-LIFE IN SUBJECTS WITH ATRIAL-FIBRILLATION

In Central European regions epidemiologic findings for atrial fibrilla tion (AF) in a randomly selected population are not available. Therefo re, information obtained by a standardized examination procedure inclu ding resting 12 lead ECG of 4003 participants (2014 men, 1989 women), aged 25 to 64 years, of the MONICA-Augsburg Survey 1984/85 were analys ed. Reexamination of 3753 subjects took place three years later (Follo w-up Study 1987/88). Persons with AF in the base-line survey (n = 13) were compared with an age-and sex-matched control group (n = 156) with out AF, chosen from the same population sample, with regard to cardiov ascular risk factors, associated diseases and disturbances in the subj ects' general well-being. In 1984/85 thirteen cases with AF (6 males, 7 females) were observed, giving an age-standardized prevalence of AF in males of 0.22% and in females of 0.34%. The age of men with AF rang ed between 50 and 63 years and of women between 61 and 64 years. No si gnificant differences were observed in persons with AF compared to the control group in risk factor levels and alcohol consumption; however; significant differences could be seen concerning disturbances in qual ity of life like self-reported health status (p < 0.001), sleep distur bances (p < 0.05), antihypertensive medication (p < 0.001). AF cases w ere found to have further ECG abnormalities significantly more often ( left anterior hemiblock: p < 0.05; ventricular premature beats, p < 0. 05). In all subjects with AF in the initial examination 1984/85 AF was found three years later (chronic AF). Overall 13 new cases (7 men, 6 women) were identified in the 1987/88 follow-up. The prevalence of AF in a South German population is comparable with AF prevalences reporte d from studies in other populations (e.g.) Framingham 1950, Reykjavik 1967/70). Associated ECG abnormalities were found more frequently in s ubjects with AF. Cases with AF have considerable disturbances in their general well-being.