Atrial fibrillation in the elderly.
The prevalence of atrial fibrillation is 11% in persons older than 70 years and rises to 17% in those aged 84 years or more. One-year mortality ranges from 0.2 to 16%, being highest in elderly patients, and is associated with a 4.8-fold increased risk of stroke. Atrial fibrillation can be cardioverted to normal sinus rhythm electrically or pharmacologically and rapid ventricular rate can be controlled with drugs. While anti-coagulation prevents embolic events in those with atrial fibrillation, the decision to anticoagulate should be based on an assessment of the risk/benefit ratio.
Department of Geriatrics, St. George's Hospital, London, U.K.
M
M
Reardon
A J
AJ
Camm
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors