Introduction:

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in Mexico is unknown.

Objectives:

To document AF prevalence and a clinical-therapeutic profile.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study in three private cardiology offices in Northeast Mexico; in 337 patients from 8,999 clinical records, AF was documented.

Results:

AF prevalence was 3.74%, permanent 56.0%, paroxistic 28.4%, persistent 15.7%; non valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) 94.06%. Age 74 ± 12.89 years, women 52.22%, hypertension, 74.18%, smoking, 36.79%, alcoholism 35.01% and type 2 diabetes, 30.56%. The CHA2DS2-VASc ≥ 2 group vs 0-1, received more anticoagulant (OAC) (31.88 vs 8.33%) and new oral anticoagulant (NOAC) (53.31 vs 13.33%) p < 0.01 for both. In ages 60-75, the CHA2DS2-VASc ≥ 2 group vs 0-1, received more OAC (34.89 vs 6.25%) p = 0.0004, and NOAC (54.16 vs 0%) p < 0.01. The CHADS group ≥ 2 vs 0-1, used more OAC (33.6 vs 18.8%) and NOAC (55.17 vs 34.11%) p < 0.01 for both and vitamin K antagonist (VKA) (12.06 vs 3.5%) p = 0.004. The CHA2DS2-VASc group ≥ 2 vs 0-1, had more women than men (95.03% versus 85.9%), received more diuretics (57.49 vs 13.33), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) (27.52 vs 0%) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) (55.40 vs 16.66%) p < 0.01 for all.

Conclusion:

In our patients, AF is characterized by having a clinical profile of high cardiovascular risk, alcoholism, senility and predominance of women, with a prevalence (3.74%) similar to that of other western countries.