Atrial fibrillation in the elderly

Atrial fibrillation (AF) remains the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia seen in man, and often requires acute intervention. This article provides an overview of the incidence, prevalence, etiology, and pathophysiology of AF in elderly patients, with special emphasis on the perioperative period. The pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management strategies available to the anesthesiologist are described. The anesthesiologist must be aware of the causes, consequences, and treatment of elderly patients developing AF during the perioperative period, as well as patients presenting to the operating room with chronic AF.