Atrial fibrillation in elderly patients with heart failure: convergence of two cardiovascular epidemics in the 21st Century

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation and heart failure have been called the twin cardiovascular epidemics of the 21st Century. The prevalence of both conditions is increasing in the elderly and often the two conditions coexist in the same patients, leading to worse outcomes. Current data show that rate control and rhythm control are both reasonable strategies for the treatment of atrial fibrillation in heart failure patients. Emerging data suggest the beneficial effects of novel therapeutic approaches such as cardiac resynchronization therapy, and pulmonary vein isolation on left ventricular remodeling and functional outcomes. Anticoagulation remains a mainstay of therapy for stroke prevention in this high-risk population.

Keywords::

• antiarrhythmic drugs
• anticoagulation
• atrial fibrillation
• cardiac resynchronization therapy
• heart failure
• pulmonary vein isolation
• rate control
• rhythm control

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.