BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia in clinical practice. In India, rheumatic heart disease is the commonest cause of atrial fibrillation, but in western countries it is the rarest cause of atrial fibrillation. This study was conducted to find out the etiological and clinical profile of patients with atrial fibrillation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: 100 cases of atrial fibrillation admitted in cardiology and general medicine OPD and IPD over a period of one year were enrolled for the study. Detailed history and clinical examination were carried out.

RESULTS: out of 100 patients of atrial fibrillation 43 were male and 57 were female. Female to male ratio is 1:1.3. Majority of the patients were aged between 51 to 60 years. Rheumatic heart disease (43%) was found to be the most common cause. Palpitation (32%) was the most common presenting complaint. Among 43 patients with Rheumatic heart disease 13 were male and 30 were female.

CONCLUSION: In our study rheumatic heart disease was found to be the most common cause of atrial fibrillation followed by dilated cardiomyopathy. Females were more affected as compared to males.