Objectives

To assess the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with dual-chamber pacemakers (DP), determine the variables associated with development of AF and evaluate the changes in AF's management by physicians.

Methods

Five hundred patients with DP were prospectively included and interrogated. When AF was detected physicians in charge of the patient were warned. Changes in AF's management were evaluated.

Results

Mean age of the study population was 77 years, with 51% of men. AF was detected in 13.2% of patients. These findings led treatment changes in 64.7%. The variables analyzed by logistic regression model which were associated with the occurrence of AF were: arterial hypertension (OR = 2.62; CI 95% 1.01-6.8; P < .048), history of AF (OR = 4.30; CI 95% 2.26-8.32; P < .001), sick sinus syndrome as cause of device implantation (OR = 2.09; CI 95% 1.09-3.97; P < .025) and burden of supraventricular extrasystoles series(OR = 1.000033 per serie; CI 95% 0.000011-0.000055; P < .003.).

Conclusion

We have detected a high prevalence of AF in patients with DP. The diagnose of AF led to change in treatment. Four clinical variables increase the likelihood of developing this arrhythmia.

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