Study of Clinical Profile and Echocardiographic Findings in Atrial Fibrillation Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Ahmedabad

Dr. Hardh Rajguru, Dr Janak Chokshi, Dr Akash Patel

Abstract: Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia with significant morbidity, including stroke and heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is crucial for evaluating cardiac structural abnormalities in AF. Objective: To evaluate the clinical and echocardiographic profile of patients with AF and correlate these findings with underlying etiologies and risk factors. Methods: A cross - sectional observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Ahmedabad from 2023 to 2025.100 adult patients with ECG - confirmed AF were enrolled. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and all patients underwent detailed TTE. Associations between echocardiographic parameters and clinical variables were analyzed. Results: Mean age was 40.2 years; 61% were female. Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) was the most common etiology (72%). Palpitations (80%) and breathlessness (74%) were frequent symptoms. TTE showed left atrial (LA) enlargement in 86%, with severe LA enlargement significantly associated with LA thrombus (36%, p = 0.007). Mitral stenosis was found in 72%, and 27% had reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Conclusion: RHD remains the primary cause of AF in young Indian patients, contributing to severe LA enlargement and valvular disease. TTE is essential for risk assessment and guiding anticoagulation decisions.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation, Transthoracic echocardiography, Rheumatic heart disease, Left atrial enlargement, Thromboembolic risk