Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly

[Advances in geriatric cardiology]

The continued aging of the population is an acknowledged fact. The proportion of individuals in the European Union aged over 65 years will reach 29.9% by 2050, almost double the present figure of 16.4%. Approximately one third of people in this age-group has clinically significant cardiovascular disease. Physicians dealing with cardiology in older patients have to be aware of the specific clinical and prognostic features of cardiovascular disease in the elderly, and with its treatment. Consequently, it is clear that continuing medical education in geriatric cardiology is essential, and that is one of the tasks of the Working Group on Geriatric Cardiology. This special issue provides a magnificent opportunity for presenting an update on important topics in geriatric cardiology, such as the aging of the cardiovascular system, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.

The risks of warfarin use in the elderly

The use of warfarin in the elderly, particularly for stroke prevention in chronic atrial fibrillation, is steadily increasing. Although the benefits of warfarin are greatest in the elderly, so are the risk of adverse outcomes and the difficulties of anticoagulant management. Clinical systems need to improve to counter this therapeutic dilemma, as warfarin is likely to remain the only widely available oral anticoagulant for the foreseeable future. Aspects that require attention are: the careful selection of patients in whom treatment with warfarin is appropriate; initiating therapy in a low dose (e.g., 2.5-5 mg/day); thorough education of patients and carers; close monitoring, especially with any change in the patient's regular drug therapy; involving patients more in the management of their warfarin therapy (self-monitoring/management in suitable patients); and ongoing review of the appropriateness of therapy as circumstances change.

Perioperative Management of Oral Anticoagulation

Based on an individual assessment of risk factors for arterial or venous thrombosis and the risk of postoperative bleeding, this article outlines the preoperative and postoperative approach to anticoagulant management. Preceding this is a brief description of the therapies most commonly used in the perioperative period. The prevention of arterial thromboembolism is considered separately from the prevention of venous thrombosis.