Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
High rate of anticoagulation therapy in oldest old subjects with atrial fibrillation: the Octabaix study
Francesc Formiga1, Assumpta Ferrer, Daniel Mimbrera
1Geriatric Unit, Internal Medicine Service, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. fformiga@bellvitgehospital.cat
Objective:
To assess the prevalence of permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) in community-dwelling subjects aged 85 and to determine the anticoagulation therapy rate.
Design:
Community-based survey of inhabitants aged 85 years.
Participants:
Participants were 328 people born in 1924 and assigned to 7 primary health care teams.
Measurements:
Sociodemographic variables, Barthel Index, the Spanish version of the Mini-Mental State Examination, Mini Nutritional Assessment, Charlson Index, social risk, quality of life, and prevalent chronic diseases were assessed. Permanent AF was determined by patient interview, treatment prescriptions, and clinical records.
Results:
The sample included 202 women (61.6%) and 126 men. In 41 (12.5%) participants permanent AF was diagnosed; 25 (60.9%) were on anticoagulant oral therapy and 9 (21.9%) were receiving antiplatelet therapy. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, previous diagnosis of heart failure (P < .001, OR 4.170, 95% CI 1.927-9.024) and stroke history (P < .03, OR 2.439, 95% CI 1.101-5.401) were significantly associated with the diagnosis of permanent AF.
Conclusion:
AF is quite prevalent in 85-year-old subjects. A large percentage of patients with AF were receiving chronic anticoagulant therapy. The percentage of patients who were not receiving prophylactic treatment was low.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Metabolism
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Absorption
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
