[Prevalence of atrial fibrillation among patients under observation by an outpatient clinic].

Prevalence of atrial fibrillation among patients attending our policlinic (2.44 and 3.78% in 2002 and 2009, respectively) was higher among men than among women and progressively increased with age achieving maximum in the group of patients aged more or equal 85 years. Paroxysmal and persistent forms were more frequent than permanent AF. Thromboembolic complications, heart failure and valvular heart disease were to a greater degree characteristic of permanent AF.