Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation in Older Adults with Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia in older adults, with diabetes mellitus (DM) serving as a significant risk factor. The interplay of aging, glycemic control, and comorbid conditions such as hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) heightens the prevalence and associated risks of AF in this population. Objective: To determine the prevalence of AF in older adults with DM and identify key associated risk factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 137 older adults with DM recruited from clinical settings. Participants underwent clinical evaluations, including demographic data collection, glycemic control assessment (HbA1c), and screening for comorbidities. Standard 12-lead electrocardiography was used to detect AF, with all diagnoses confirmed by certified cardiologists. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression, were performed using SPSS version 25. Results: The overall prevalence of AF was 11.7% (16/137), with 43.8% (7/16) newly diagnosed cases and 31.3% (5/16) asymptomatic AF. Advanced age (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.11–1.88; p=0.005) and CKD (OR: 2.87; 95% CI: 1.33–6.21; p=0.007) were significant independent predictors. Conclusion: The study highlights a significant prevalence of AF, including silent cases, in older adults with DM, emphasizing the need for routine screening and early intervention in high-risk populations.