Management of Atrial Fibrillation in Elderly Patients: A Whole New Ballgame?
- PMID: 40217779
- PMCID: PMC11989488
- DOI: 10.3390/jcm14072328
Management of Atrial Fibrillation in Elderly Patients: A Whole New Ballgame?
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent sustained supraventricular arrhythmia, particularly in older adults, with its incidence increasing dramatically with age. This condition is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality, being closely linked to an elevated risk of heart failure, ischemic stroke, systemic thromboembolism, and dementia. The complexities of managing AF in the elderly arise from age-related physiological changes, comorbidities, frailty, and the challenges of polypharmacy. Therapeutic strategies must balance efficacy and safety, tailoring interventions to the individual's health status, life expectancy, and personal preferences. This review explores the latest evidence-based approaches to managing AF in elderly patients, focusing on the nuanced application of rate and rhythm control strategies, anticoagulation, and emerging insights into the relationship between AF and cognitive impairment.
Keywords: anticoagulation; atrial fibrillation (AF); cognitive decline; elderly patients; heart failure (HF); rate control; rhythm control.
Conflict of interest statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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