BULGARIAN GENERAL PRACTITIONERS' KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE ATRIAL FIBRILLATION MANAGEMENT

摘要

The aim of this study was to assess the Bulgarian general practitioners' (GPs) awareness of the management of patients (pts) with atrial fibrillation (Afib). 926 GPs treating 34 229 pts with rhythm disturbances took part in the study. We used an anonymous questionnaire method.The Afib lasting between 24 and 48 hours after the onset was usually treated as follows: 72% of the GPs could have their pts consulted by cardiologist, 10% of the GPs tried to restore the sinus rhythm and considered the use of anticoagulants. In the rest of the cases: 2% of the GPs used Quinidine, 4% -^sPropafenone, 5% -^sDigoxine and 7% used Amiodarone without insisting on rhythm restoration. 4% of the GPs did not use anticoagulants and 18% of them used aspirin as anticoagulation monotherapy. 31% of the GPs prescribed anticoagulation according to the type of Afib and 47% of them prescribed anticoagulant therapy only after a consultation by cardiologist.Conclusions: The GPs were restrained from sinus rhythm restoration and the consultation by cardiologist did prolong the time period to the rhythm conversion. The high cardiology consultations rate was due to the early diagnostics difficulties of underlining pathology. We were concerned of the unified Afib classification need with regard to the clinical practice.