Patients with atrial fibrillation treated in a Primary Care clinic of a high complexity health facility

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation is a disease caused by many factors, and has a prevalence of 1-2% in the general population. Objective: To determine the clinical characteristics of patients with atrial fibrillation treated in Primary care in a high complexity health centre in North-eastern Colombia. Material and methods: A cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study in which a record was made of the demographic and clinical data, with the scores on the thromboembolic risk scale, as well as any treatments, taken from the computerised medical records of patients with atrial fibrillation. Results: A total of 528 medical records analysed, from which 199 were selected. The mean age was 76.47± 8.94 years and 121 (60.8%) were women. As regards the type of atrial fibrillation, 35 (17.59%) patients had a valvular type, and 164 (82.41%) non-valvular. Oral anticoagulants were prescribed in 152 (76.38%) patients, 67 (33.84%) with antiplatelet (acetyl salicylic acid) treatment, and 39 (19.60%) were on combined therapy. According to the CHADS₂ scale, 9 (4.5%) were classified as low risk, 30 (15.1%) as moderate, and 160 (80.4%) as high risk. In the low risk group, 6 were on anticoagulant therapy, while 11 patients in the high risk group did not receive any drug treatment. Conclusion: From the findings mentioned, it is essential that the thrombo-prophylaxis schemes of patients with atrial fibrillation are reinforced by updating, as well as knowledge of the clinical practice guidelines by the treating physician. Furthermore, it is recommended to use the CHADS₂ and HAS-BLED scales, with the aim of offering individualised and appropriate treatment in order to avoid complications.