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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
28:13
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
[Atrial fibrillation in elderly patients].
Pierre-Laurent Massoure1, Frédéric Sacher, Nicolas Derval
1Hôpital cardiologique Haut-Lévêque, CHU de Bordeaux, Pessac, France. plmassoure@aol.com
La Revue Du Praticien
|January 12, 2010
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart rhythm disorder in older adults, increasing stroke risk. Anticoagulation therapy is crucial for managing AF patients, but requires careful assessment of bleeding risks.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia in the elderly population, with prevalence reaching 6-8% in octogenarians.
- AF is frequently associated with comorbidities such as cardiomyopathy (50%) and hypertension (60%).
- The condition significantly elevates the risk of ischemic stroke, particularly in individuals over 75, with annual rates up to 7%.
Purpose:
- To review the current understanding of atrial fibrillation in the elderly.
- To highlight the therapeutic strategies for managing AF in this demographic, focusing on stroke prevention and rate control.
- To emphasize the importance of risk stratification for antithrombotic therapy and hemorrhage risk assessment.
Summary:
- Antiarrhythmic drugs can help control the cardiac rate in AF patients.
- Antithrombotic therapy, including anticoagulation, is essential for preventing emboli in all AF types.
- Elderly AF patients, often at high or intermediate risk, require systematic evaluation of major hemorrhage risk alongside anticoagulation management.
Impact:
- Provides a concise overview of AF management in the elderly.
- Underscores the critical role of anticoagulation in reducing stroke risk for this vulnerable population.
- Emphasizes the necessity of balancing anticoagulation benefits against potential bleeding complications in geriatric patients.
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