Table 1 Distribution of age, aetiology, diagnostic tests and pattern of treatment among paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patients by sex

Age

40–59

30

(11.2)

63

(24.5)

60–69

57

(21.3)

74

(28.8)

70–79

107

(39.9)

81

(31.5)

80+

74

(27.6)

39

(15.2)

AF aetiology assigned by the GP*

   IHD

117

(43.7)

110

(42.8)

   Valvular

24

(9.0)

13

(5.1)

   Other cardiac diseases

19

(7.1)

20

(7.8)

   Non-cardiac diseases

28

(10.4)

16

(10.1)

   Unknown

80

(29.9)

88

(34.2)

Tests done to confirm diagnosis

   ECG alone

158

(59.0)

170

(66.1)

   Other test (with/without ECG)

46

(17.1)

33

(12.8)

   Unknown

64

(23.9)

54

(21.0)

Cardioversion attempts

   No or unknown

178

(66.4)

170

(66.2)

   Pharmacological only

79

(29.5)

69

(26.8)

   Electrical only

8

(3.0)

13

(5.1)

   Both

3

(1.1)

5

(1.9)

Use of AF treatment drugs †

   Amiodarone

27

(10.1)

40

(15.6)

   Verapamil

8

(3.0)

7

(2.7)

   Diltiazem

13

(4.9)

13

(5.1)

   Beta-blockers

82

(30.6)

65

(25.3)

   Digoxin

100

(37.3)

80

(31.1)

Use of antithrombotics/anticoagulants†

   No use

136

(50.7)

115

(44.7)

   Warfarin only

28

(10.4)

36

(14.0)

   Aspirin only

92

(34.3)

91

(35.4)

   Both

12

(4.5)

15

(5.8)