Falls, osteoporosis and atrial fibrillation.
BACKGROUND
Poly-morbidity is the hallmark of the frail elderly. The traditional model of treating each disease on its own merit does not work for this patient group.


OBJECTIVE
This article outlines the assessment, investigations and management of falls and atrial fibrillation in the elderly.


CONCLUSIONS
The challenge for the general practitioner lies in weighing up the potential benefits and harms of the 'curative' approach against those of the 'palliative' approach. The key concern should always be the patient's desired quality of life. Forgoing largely unproven 'medical heroics' in favour of supportive services in association with available community resources helps to maintain the patient's independence and dignity.
Sturmberg
Joachim P
JP
Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria. jp.sturmberg@bigpond.com
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome