Prevalence of atrial fibrillation and its risk factors in rural China: A cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo evaluate the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in physical laborers in rural China and identify contributing risk factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 11,956 permanent residents of Liaoning Province in rural China ≥ 35 y of age (primarily physical laborers) was conducted between January and August 2013 (response rate 85.3%). All participants completed a questionnaire and underwent a physical exam, echocardiography and electrocardiography. Blood samples were drawn for laboratory analyses, and AF was diagnosed on the basis of history and electrocardiograph findings. Risk factors for AF were evaluated with a stepwise logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of AF was 1.2% overall, but rose steeply with age (0.1% in those 35-44 y of age, and 4.6% in those ≥ 75 y); there was no significant gender difference at any age. Independent risk factors for AF were age (odds ratio [OR] 1.89; P < 0.001), diabetes (OR 2.07; P = 0.001), history of myocardial infarction (OR 5.91; P < 0.001), low left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 1.85; P = 0.005), and low physical activity (OR 1.72; P = 0.003), whereas obesity, hypertension, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, current smoking and drinking, left ventricular hypertrophy, and family history of AF were not significant contributors.ConclusionsAlthough the prevalence of AF in physical labors in rural China is low, age, diabetes, history of myocardial infarction, low left ventricular ejection fraction, and low physical activity are independent risk factors.