Atrial Fibrillation: Epidemiology and Peculiarities in the Elderly

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) increases with age and two-thirds of patients with AF aged over 75 years. In addition, comorbidities are frequent in the elderly and worsen the prognosis. There are poorer quality of life, increased number of hospitalizations and cardiovascular events. The annual death rate was 8% in patients older than 75 years, and higher among women. There is a significant association between AF and cognitive disorders. Despite highest stroke risk, elderly have been paradoxically less likely to receive oral anticoagulation. This review summarizes available data on the epidemiology, risk factors, and scores of bleeding and systemic embolism, evolution and the approach of elderly patients with AF.