title: Characteristics of patients with venous thromboembolism and atrial fibrillation in Venezuela.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Studies describing venous thromboembolic event (VTEE) and atrial fibrillation (AF) in South American populations are limited. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to describe the characteristics of Venezuelan patients admitted and treated for these conditions.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective medical record review of 1397 consecutive patients admitted to three private hospitals or clinics between January 2000 and December 2005 was performed. Data was collected on demographics, anthropometrics, hospital visit, comorbidities and treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 401 VTEE and 996 AF patients, men were more likely to have AF (58%) while more women experienced a VTEE (58%). Most patients were admitted via the emergency room (87%) and had only one event during the study period (83%). Common comorbidities included hypertension (46%), heart failure (17%), diabetes (12%) and congestive heart failure (11%). Characteristics of Venezuelan patients with VTEE and AF are similar to that reported in the literature for other populations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results provide background characteristics for future studies assessing risk factors for AF and VTEE in South American populations.
authors.affiliation: WWEpidemiology, GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville road, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA. dimitri.2.bennett@gsk.com
authors.forename: Dimitri
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Abate
authors.forename: Page E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Abrahamson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014687:Venezuela / Q000453:epidemiology; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult