Atrial fibrillation and antithrombotic therapy in a 75-year-old population.
OBJECTIVE
To find the true prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) in a population aged 75 years in 2 municipalities in Norway, and to study the use of antithrombotic therapy in this group.


METHODS
All 1,117 citizens in Asker and Baerum municipalities in eastern Norway born in 1930 were invited to participate in a prevalence study of AF. Nine hundred and sixteen subjects (82%) were examined by electrocardiogram, and blood pressure and pulse rate were measured. Comorbidity and current medication were recorded.


RESULTS
AF was present in 92 subjects (10%; 95% CI 8.2-12.1%), including 33 with ECG-documented, paroxysmal AF. In addition, 8 subjects had a history of a single, transient episode of AF. AF was previously undiagnosed in 10 out of 916 (1.1%). In 77 of 82 patients with previously diagnosed AF (93.9%), antithrombotic therapy was compliant with international guidelines.


CONCLUSIONS
Ten percent (95% CI 8.2-12.2%) in this 75-year-old population had AF. Compliance with international guidelines regarding antithrombotic therapy was high. Previously undiagnosed AF was found in only 10 out of 916 (1.1%).
Tveit
Arnljot
A
Department of Internal Medicine, Asker and Baerum Hospital, Rud, Norway. arnljot.tveit@broadpark.no
Abdelnoor
Michael
M
Enger
Steve
S
Smith
Pal
P
D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents