A Literature Review of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus & the Prevalence of New Onset Atrial Fibrillation

Author

John B. Mills Jr., University of the PacificFollow

Date of Award

4-1-2019

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Department

Physician Assistant Education

First Advisor

Mark Christiansen

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cardiac arrhythmias; however, details regarding the risk factors of AF are not necessarily well identified.1,2 This literature review will investigate the likelihood of a direct correlation between pre-existing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and new-onset AF. Highlighting a definitive association between AF and T2DM has been a perplexing pursuit in research studies of epidemiology.2 The literature review will examine multiple studies and investigate the extent and significance to which T2DM and AF are related. The specific goal will be to assess whether T2DM patients over the age of 55, with Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) less than 7% and lifestyle and medication compliance, are less likely to be diagnosed with new onset AF within 5 years of becoming diabetic, than those with poor diabetic control and elevated HbA1c. HbA1c is a blood test used to measure the average glucose levels in the bloodstream over the past three months.

Understanding the relationship between pre-existing T2DM and new-onset AF could greatly benefit and reduce mortality in this patient population. AF is a known risk factor and a common cause of death due to cerebral vascular accidents (CVA).1 Reducing the occurrence of AF among the vulnerable and immunocompromised T2DM patient population could have immeasurable benefits and lead to significant decreases in patient mortality. This literature review will summarize several studies, including meta-analyses, case-control studies, and retrospective cohort studies.

Recommended Citation

Mills, John B. Jr., "A Literature Review of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus & the Prevalence of New Onset Atrial Fibrillation" (2019). Physician Assistant Capstones. 33.
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/pa-capstones/33