Sociodemographic analysis: mortality rate due to atrial fibrillation 2019-2022 in Chile

Abstract

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia; it affects the electrical and mechanical activity of the heart. The objective of the study is to analyze the mortality rate (MR) due to AF in Chile between the years 2019-2022. Materials and methods: Observational, descriptive study. Data from the Department of Health Statistics and Information and the National Institute of Statistics, on the number of deaths from AF in Chile between the years 2019-2022, by sex and age group (n=3,790). MR was calculated. No ethics committee was required. Results: An MR of 7.40 was observed. The lowest MR was in 2020 with 6.90/100,000 inhabitants. Women had a higher MR with 8.3. The age group with the highest MR was 80 years and older with 140.68/100,000 inhabitants. Discussion and conclusion: The decrease in MR in 2020 could be explained by the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, since attendance at check-ups and follow-up of chronic pathologies such as AF was minimized and resources were prioritized to the context. The higher MR due to AF in women coincides with international reports; the age group with the highest MR would be explained by presenting greater comorbidities that could decompensate AF. In conclusion, a risk group for dying from AF is evident, with prevention strategies and adequate management of the disease being key, as well as conducting epidemiological update studies.