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. 2012 Jun;9(2):91-100.
doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1263.2011.12293.

Atrial fibrillation in the elderly

Roberto A Franken  1 , Ronaldo F Rosa, Silvio Cm Santos
Affiliations

Atrial fibrillation in the elderly

Roberto A Franken et al. J Geriatr Cardiol. 2012 Jun.

Abstract

This review discusses atrial fibrillation according to the guidelines of Brazilian Society of Cardiac Arrhythmias and the Brazilian Cardiogeriatrics Guidelines. We stress the thromboembolic burden of atrial fibrillation and discuss how to prevent it as well as the best way to conduct cases of atrial fibrillatios in the elderly, reverting the arrhythmia to sinus rhythm, or the option of heart rate control. The new methods to treat atrial fibrillation, such as radiofrequency ablation, new oral direct thrombin inhibitors and Xa factor inhibitors, as well as new antiarrhythmic drugs, are depicted.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Heart failure; Prevention; Thrombo-embolism; Treatment.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Choice of rate or rhythm control strategies.
Direct current conversion and pharmacological cardioversion of recent- onset Atral Fibrilation in patients considered for pharmacological cardioversion
Figure 2.
Figure 2.. Decision for cardioversion to sinus rhythm.
AF: Atrial fibrillation; HR: heart rate.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.. Using of antiarrhythmic drugs after reverse to sinus rhythm.
LVH: Left ventricular hypertrophy.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.. Choice of antiarrhythmic drug to maintain sinusal rhythm after AF cardioversion.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.. Sequence of treatment of AF.
ACE: angiotensin converting enzyme; AF: atrial fibrillation; ARB: Angiotensin receptor blocker; ECG: electrocardiogram; PUFA: polyunsaturated fatty acids.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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