Arrhythmia Therapy in the Elderly

As with other illnesses, the risks and benefits of diagnostic studies and treatments for arrhythmias are altered by age. In the elderly, the risks of treatment are often greater; drug metabolism varies and mechanical approaches (ablation procedures and insertion of electrical devices) are associated with greater complication rates. This paper reviews recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias in the elderly. (c) 2000 by CVRR, Inc.