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Atrial fibrillation in the elderly: a risk factor beyond stroke.

Authors :
Bencivenga, Leonardo
Komici, Klara
Nocella, Pierangela
Grieco, Fabrizio Vincenzo
Spezzano, Angela
Puzone, Brunella
Cannavo, Alessandro
Cittadini, Antonio
Corbi, Graziamaria
Ferrara, Nicola
Rengo, Giuseppe
Source :
Ageing Research Reviews. Aug2020, Vol. 61, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p.
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

• Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide, its prevalence raises with age and it is expected to increase in the next decades. • It is related to augmented risk of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism, as well-documented in the literature, and other less investigated conditions. • Many theories have emerged on mechanisms linking AF to heart failure, pulmonary embolism, risk of fall, disability, mood disorders and cognitive impairment. • Intrinsic features of the elderly make the management of AF and its complications particularly complex in this population. • Further studies are needed to better define the pathophysiology underlying the link between AF and its non-stroke complications. Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents the most common arrhythmia worldwide and its prevalence exponentially increases with age. It is related to increased risk of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism, which determines a significant burden of morbidity and mortality, as widely documented in the literature. AF also constitutes a risk factor for other less investigated conditions, such as heart failure, pulmonary embolism, impairment in physical performance, reduced quality of life, development of disability, mood disorders and cognitive impairment up to dementia. In the elderly population, the management of AF and its complications is particularly complex due to the heterogeneity of the ageing process, the lack of specific evidence-based recommendations, as well as the high grade of comorbidity and disability characterizing the over 65 years aged people. In the present review, we aim to summarize the pieces of the most updated evidence on AF complications beyond stoke, mainly focusing on the elderly population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
15681637
Volume :
61
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Ageing Research Reviews
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
143702955
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2020.101092