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[Atrial fibrillation in a defined population of elderly persons]
Insights
Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects 17.6% of elderly patients in home care, increasing with age and impacting females more. Many AF patients have other heart conditions and a higher stroke risk, yet few use antithrombotic therapy.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Cardiology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Elderly patients receiving home treatment and care represent a vulnerable population.
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia associated with significant comorbidities and risks.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence and comorbidity of atrial fibrillation in elderly home care patients.
- To assess the utilization of antithrombotic treatment in this high-risk group.
Summary:
- The study found a 17.6% prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in 205 elderly home care patients, increasing with age and higher in females.
- Patients with AF exhibited significantly higher rates of heart failure (p < 0.00001) and angina pectoris (p < 0.04).
- A history of stroke was more frequent in AF patients (16.7%) compared to controls (8.9%), highlighting the thromboembolic risk.
Impact:
- Findings underscore the high prevalence of AF and associated cardiovascular comorbidities in elderly home care settings.
- Low adherence to antithrombotic therapy (36.1%) among AF patients necessitates interventions to improve treatment uptake and reduce stroke risk.
Abstract:
Prevalence and comorbidity of atrial fibrillation were studied in 205 elderly patients in home treatment and care. As these patients have an increased risk of thromboembolic complications, we have also studied the use of antithrombotic treatment in this group. The prevalence of atrial fibrillation was 17.6% among all patients and was increasing with the age. The prevalence was higher in females (19.2%), than in males (10.5%). The prevalence of heart failure and angina pectoris was significantly higher among the patients with atrial fibrillation (p < 0.00001 for heart failure and p < 0.04 for angina pectoris). Previous stroke was more frequent in the group with atrial fibrillation (16.7%), than in control group (8.9%). Only 36.1% patients with atrial fibrillation were regularly using drugs and the rest of patients must be encouraged to take the therapy.