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Publication
Atrial fibrillation in very old patients
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Authors
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
OBJECTIVES
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the arrhythmia most often observed in elderly patients and is an important cause of
morbidity and mortality in this age group. Anticoagulation to reduce the thromboembolic risk is an essential
part of the approach of this pathology.
In this context, our aim is to assess the prevalence of AF and its treatment in very old patients admitted to our
medicine ward.
MATERIAL AND METHOD
We analyzed the clinical files of very old patients (VOP - very old people - age > or = life expectancy + 5 years
for both sexes - 76 + 5 years for males and 82 + 5 years for females) admitted to our department from
01/01/2011 to 31/12/2011. The average of in ward days and death rate was calculated. We analyzed the
electrocardiograms performed at baseline and assessed outpatient medication.
RESULTS
In 2011 we recorded 996 admissions, of which 189 (19%) were VOP. Of these, 26 (13.76%) died. The average
hospitalization was found to be 15 days. We identified 61 cases (32%) with AF. No differences were found
between genders. The majority (74%) had a CHADS2 score >2. Only 1/10 of patients were treated with oral
anticoagulants.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of AF in our sample is relatively high compared to that described in other epidemiological
studies. Despite the higher risk of stroke in elderly patients, thromboprophylaxis in AF is suboptimal. We admit
that the new oral anticoagulants, because they do not require monitoring and have less drug interactions can
potentially become very useful, particularly in the elderly.
Description
Keywords
Fibrilhação auricular Idoso Atrial fibrillation Aged
Citation
CONGRESS OF THE EUROPEAN FEDERATION OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, 11, Madrid, 24 a 27 de Outubro de 2012
Publisher
European Federation of Internal Medicine (EFIM), Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI)