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Updated: Jul 12, 2026

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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Left ventricular performance in atrial fibrillation in the elderly
Age and Ageing
|November 1, 1981
Summary
Elderly patients with atrial fibrillation experience reduced ejection fraction, especially at faster heart rates. This study quanties the impact of ventricular rate on cardiac function in this population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia in the elderly.
- Left ventricular performance can be affected by heart rate and rhythm disturbances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of atrial fibrillation on ejection fraction in elderly patients.
- To determine the relationship between ventricular rate and left ventricular performance in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Ejection fraction was measured using both radionuclide angiography and systolic time intervals.
- Ventricular rates were analyzed in elderly patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.
Main Results:
- Ejection fraction averaged approximately 55% at ventricular rates of 50-70 beats/min.
- Ejection fraction decreased to 20% or below as mean ventricular rates exceeded 120 beats/min.
Conclusions:
- Atrial fibrillation is associated with diminished left ventricular performance in the elderly.
- Increasing ventricular rates in atrial fibrillation significantly accentuate the decrease in cardiac function.
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