Open AccessAtrial Fibrillation in the Elderly
Author(s) -
Reardon Michael,
John Camm A.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.4960191003
Subject(s) - medicine , atrial fibrillation , cardiology , fibrillation , intensive care medicine
The prevalence of atrial fibrillation is 11 % in persons older than 70 years and rises to 17% in those aged 84 years or more. One‐year mortality ranges from 0.2 to 16%, being highest in elderly patients, and is associated with a 4.8‐fold increased risk of stroke. Atrial fibrillation can be cardioverted to normal sinus rhythm electrically or pharmacologically and rapid ventricular rate can be controlled with drugs. While anticoagulation prevents embolic events in those with atrial fibrillation, the decision to anticoagulate should be based on an assessment of the risk/benefit ratio.