Work

Atrial fibrillation among adults hospitalized with heart failure in Southern Ethiopia: prevalence, predictors, and embolic complications

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, clinical predictors, and embolic complications of atrial fibrillation among adults hospitalized with heart failure in Southern Ethiopia. RESULTS: Among 403 adults hospitalized with heart failure (mean age 53.3 ± 18.1 years; 60.5% women), atrial fibrillation was present in 30.5% (95% CI: 26–35%). The most common underlying etiologies were valvular heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. Embolic complications occurred in 8.9% of patients, predominantly ischemic stroke; some events were present at admission, limiting causal inference. Independent predictors of atrial fibrillation included age > 60 years, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and left atrial enlargement (> 40 mm), whereas hypertension showed an inverse association. Atrial fibrillation was significantly associated with embolic complications. Among patients receiving warfarin, only 31.9% achieved therapeutic anticoagulation, and subtherapeutic anticoagulation was associated with increased embolic risk.

Source: BMC Research Notes

DOI: 10.1186/s13104-026-07841-3

Authors: Sura Markos, Shikur Kemal

Institution: Hawassa University

Language: English

Topic: Atrial Fibrillation Management and Outcomes

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,690