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Atrial fibrillation in the elderly

Roberto A Franken1, Ronaldo F Rosa, Silvio Cm Santos

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Santa Casa São Paulo Medical School, R.Dr.Franco da Rocha 163/52, São Paulo 05015-040, Brazil.

Journal of Geriatric Cardiology : JGC
|August 24, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This review covers atrial fibrillation management in the elderly, focusing on preventing thromboembolism and treatment options like rhythm or rate control. It also details new therapies including ablation and novel anticoagulants.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation presents a significant thromboembolic risk, particularly in the elderly population.
  • Current guidelines from the Brazilian Society of Cardiac Arrhythmias and Brazilian Cardiogeriatrics provide a framework for management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review atrial fibrillation management in the elderly based on Brazilian guidelines.
  • To emphasize thromboembolism prevention and discuss treatment strategies.
  • To present novel therapeutic approaches for atrial fibrillation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing guidelines and literature on atrial fibrillation.
  • Discussion of thromboembolic risk assessment and prevention strategies.
  • Analysis of rhythm control versus rate control in elderly patients.
  • Overview of emerging treatments such as radiofrequency ablation and new anticoagulants.

Main Results:

  • Atrial fibrillation poses a substantial risk of stroke and systemic embolism.
  • Management strategies prioritize individualized care balancing anticoagulation and arrhythmia control.
  • Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and radiofrequency ablation offer advanced treatment options.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of atrial fibrillation in the elderly requires a comprehensive approach focusing on stroke prevention.
  • Both rhythm and rate control strategies are viable, with treatment decisions tailored to individual patient profiles.
  • Emerging therapies are expanding the options for treating atrial fibrillation, improving patient outcomes.

Keywords:
Atrial fibrillationHeart failurePreventionThrombo-embolismTreatment

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