Hyperuricemia predicted adverse outcomes in very elderly patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

Objective Elevated serum uric acid predicts poor outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease.We aimed to examine associations between hyperuricemia and clinical outcomes among very elderly patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation(NVAF).Methods Elderly patients(≥80 years)with NVAF admitted to our hospital from January 2009 to December 2015 were retrospectively studied and were followed up until April 2017.

Analysis of the Impact Factors on a Stable Warfarin Dose in Extreme Elderly (Age ≥ 80 Years) Chinese Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate non-genetic and genetic factors contributing to stable warfarin dose change in the extreme elderly patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Methods: A total of 40 elderly patients with stable warfarin doses were included in this study. Clinical basic data, such as age, sex, body mass index, basic disease like hypertension, diabetes and coronary heart disease had been recorded. Two nucleotide polymorphisms about VKORC1-1639G^A and CYP2C9 1075A^C genes were detected via sequencing by hybridization. Results: The elderly patients with CYP2C9 1075A^C (CA) genotype needed less warfarin daily doses than those?with CYP2C9 1075A^C (AA) genotype (1.93 ± 0.79 mg/d VS 2.15 ± 0.64 mg/d), but there was no significant difference (p = 0.601). While the daily warfarin dose required for patients with VKORC1-1639G^A (AA) genotype was significantly lower than that for patients with VKORC1-1639G^A (GA) genotype (2.00 ± 0.67 mg/d VS 2.63 ± 0.38 mg/d, p = 0.012). VKORC1-1639G^A together with age and diabetes status accounted 41.7% for dose variability. The new algorithm was developed using multivariate linear regression analysis;the model was developed for: Dose = 7.731 – 0.056 * age + 0.527 * DM - 0.785 * VKORC1. Conclusions: VKORC1-1639G^A together with age and diabetes status might predict warfarin doses in age ≥ 80 years patients with non-valvularatrial fibrillation. In contrast, the polymorphism of CYP2C9 1075A^C was not associated with dose variability.

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in elderly population

Background Although elderly patients have been included in published series of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation （AF）, clinicalbenefit and safety remain still less defined in this population. A retrospective analysis of the results of catheter ablation for AF in a large volumecenter focused on comparison of elderly patients with the rest of the patient cohort was conducted in this study. Methods Consecutive patientswho underwent catheter ablation for AF between January 2001 and December 2016 were analysed. A total population of 3197 patients wasdichotomized by the age of 70 years （394 elderly vs. 2803 younger subjects）. Patients were followed in terms of arrhythmia status and sur-vival for a median period of 18 vs. 21 and 35 vs. 57 months, respectively. Results Elderly patients were more frequently females （49% vs.29%, P 〈 0.0001）, had a history of hypertension （79% vs. 57%, P 〈 0.0001）, diabetes （16% vs. 11%, P 〈 0.01）, stroke （9% vs. 6%, P 〈 0.01）,coronary/peripheral artery disease （14% vs. 8%, P 〈 0.0001）, and CHAzDS2-VASc score （3.1 ± 1.3 vs. 1.5 ± 1.2 s, P 〈 0.0001）. Major com-plications were more frequent in elderly （5.3% vs. 3.2%, P = 0.03）; however, this difference was driven by vascular complications （3.6% vs.1.9%, P = 0.04）. There were comparable rates of cerebrovascular （0.3 vs. 0.3%） or nonvascular complications （1.8 vs. 1.2%）. Good arrhyth-mia control was inferior in elderly patients as compared with the rest of the cohort, both without and with antiarrhythmic drugs： 44.2% vs.58.2% （P 〈 0.0001） and 78.2 vs. 83.2% （P 〈 0.01）, respectively. Poor arrhythmia control was associated with relative risk of all-cause mor-tality of 2.7 （95% CI： 1.1-6.4） in elderly patients and 1.4 （95% CI： 0.9-2.0） in younger subjects. Conclusions Catheter ablation for AF inelderly patients is safe although somewhat less effective. Good arrhythmia control is associated with better survival, especially in elderly patients.

Atrial fibrillation in the elderly

Atrial fibrillation(AF)is the most common arrhythmia in elderly population,with age being one of the most important factors involved in its pathogenesis.Conduction disturbances may be present on the surface electrocardiogram before AF onset in some patients.Once this arrhythmia is diagnosed,antithrombotic therapy is mandatory in most cases,as this is the only treatment that has demonstrated to improve survival.Age increases both the risk of thromboembolic and bleeding complications,while benefits from anticoagulant therapy outweigh that from bleeding in most scenarios,also in very elderly patients.However,elderly patients with AF are often undertreated.Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants have emerged as an alternative to vitamin K antagonists,with significant less adverse events and better profile in terms of efficacy and safety.Other conditions related to age should be carefully evaluated in these patients(including frailty,comorbidity and polypharmacy)to ensure an individualized clinical and therapeutic approach.

Analyses of risk factors and prognosis for new-onset atrial fibrillation in elderly patients after dual-chamber pacemaker implantation

Objective To retrospectively identify risk factors and the prognosis for new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF)after implantation of dual-chamber pacemakers in elderly patients.Methods Consecutive patients aged >65years who underwent their first implantation of a dual-chamber permanent pacemaker in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from October 2013to May 2016were enrolled.Their complete program- ming and follow-up data were recorded.Follow-up end points included new-onset AF and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.Restdts Altogether,322patients were enrolled,with new-onset AF observed in 79(24.5%)during their follow-up.Multivariable analysis identified four independent predictors of new-onset AF in elderly patients after pacemaker implantation:hypertension (HR =3.040, 95%CI:1.09-3.05,P =0.00),age (HR =1.966,95%CI:1.57-3.68,P =0.01);left atrial enlargement (HR =1.645,95%CI:1.05-1.25,P = 0.03);high ventricular pacing rate (HR =1.137,95%CI:1.01-1.06,P =0.01).Univariable analysis indicated that the CHA2DS2-VASc score was also a risk factor for AF (HR =1.368,95%CI:1.178-1.589,P =0.002),whereas multivariable regression analysis did not. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the risk for ischemic stroke was significantly higher in the new-onset AF group than in the non-AF group (P <0.05).Conclusion Hypertension,age,left atrial enlargement,and high ventricular pacing rate were independent predictors of new-onset AF in elderly patients after implantation of a permanent pacemaker.New-onset AF increased the risk for ischemic stroke.

Predisposing factors for atrial fibrillation in the elderly

Atrial fibrillation （AF） in the elderly occurs as a consequence of cardiovascular aging and an age related increase of comorbidity. Several predisposing factors for AF have been identified for the overall AF population. Most of them, cardiovascular disease in particular, play a role in younger and older patients. The longer time period during which these risk factors can cause structural changes that ultimately lead to AF may, at least in part, explain the association between age and AF. In addition, less well defined age-related changes in cellular electrophysi- ologic properties and structure predispose to AF in the elderly.

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in the elderly

Background Atrial fibrillation （AF） catheter ablation has emerged as a promising treatment strategy for AF, but has not been widely adopted in the elderly population. The present study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of AF catheter ablation in the elderly popula-tion. Methods and Results The study population consisted of 316 patients with paroxysmal AF who underwent left atrial ablation. Ninety-five patients were≥65 years （48 males, mean age 68.9 ± 3.0 years old） and 221 patients were〈65 years old （130 males, mean age 52.5 ± 10.4 years old）. After a mean follow-up period of 34.0 ± 15.1 months, 55 （57.9%） patients in the elderly group were free from ar-rhythmia recurrence compared with 149 （67.4%） patients in the younger group （P=0.169）. Procedural complications were uncommon in both study groups. In logistic regression analysis, left atrial diameter （P=0.003）, hypertension （P=0.001）, dyslipidemia （P=0.039）, and coronary artery disease （P=0.018） were independent predictors of AF recurrence in the elderly population. Conclusions Catheter ablation of AF is safe and effective in older patients. Invasive strategies should be considered as an alternative choice in symptomatic elderly patients with AF.

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation is associated with reduced risk of mortality in the elderly:a prospective cohort study and propensity score analysis

Background It is unclear whether catheter ablation(CA)for atrial fibrillation(AF)affects the long-term prognosis in the elderly.This study aims to evaluate the relationship between CA and long-term outcomes in elderly patients with AF.Methods Patients more than 75 years old with non-valvular AF were prospectively enrolled between August 2011 and December 2017 in the Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry Study.Participants who underwent CA at baseline were propensity score matched(1:1)with those who did not receive CA.The outcome events included all-cause mortality,cardiovascular mortality,stroke/transient ischemic attack(TIA),and cardiovascular hospitalization.Results Overall,this cohort included 571 ablated patients and 571 non-ablated patients with similar characteristics on 18 dimensions.During a mean follow-up of 39.75±19.98 months(minimum six months),24 patients died in the ablation group,compared with 60 deaths in the non-ablation group[hazard ratio(HR)=0.49,95%confidence interval(CI):0.30-0.79,P=0.0024].Besides,6 ablated and 29 non-ablated subjects died of cardiovascular disease(HR=0.25,95%CI:0.11-0.61,P=0.0022).A total of 27 ablated and 40 non-ablated patients suffered stroke/TIA(HR=0.79,95%CI:0.48-1.28,P=0.3431).In addition,140 ablated and 194 non-ablated participants suffered cardiovascular hospitalization(HR=0.84,95%CI:0.67-1.04,P=0.1084).Subgroup analyses according to gender,type of AF,time since onset of AF,and anticoagulants exposure in initiation did not show significant heterogeneity.Conclusions In elderly patients with AF,CA may be associated with a lower incidence of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Is dual therapy the correct strategy in frail elderly patients with atrial fibrillation and acute coronary syndrome?

Atrial fibrillation(AF)is a very common arrhythmia in clinical practice.Its incidence and prevalence are age-related and are growing in the last years.Age is a risk factor also for coronary artery disease(CAD),and with the evolution of preventive care,the first event(acute coronary syndrome(ACS)or percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI))takes place at a later age.If elderly patients with AF and CAD undergo ACS or PCI,they have indication to assume triple therapy.Triple therapy(oral anticoagulation(OAC)plus dual antiplatelet therapy(DAPT))exposes patients to high bleeding risk.In the last 10 years,several clinical trials have tested dual therapy(OAC plus single antiplatelet therapy)in AF patients who undergo ACS or elective PCI.WOEST trial has tested warfarin+clopidogrel against triple therapy.PIONEER AF-PCI trial has tested low-dose rivaroxaban+P2Y12 inhibitor or very low-dose rivaroxaban+DAPT against standard triple therapy with warfarin.RE-DUAL PCI trial has tested two doses of dabigatran+P2Y12 inhibitor against standard triple therapy with Warfarin.AUGUSTUS trial has tested apixaban against warfarin both in dual therapy with P2Y12 inhibitor and in triple therapy with a P2Y12 inhibitor and aspirin.ENTRUST-AF PCI,last published study,has tested edoxaban+P2Y12 inhibitor against triple therapy.All these trials show dual therapy reduces significantly bleeding risk than triple therapy.In this paper,we analyze these clinical trials to understand if dual therapy results can be applied to elderly patients and what is probably the better approach in elderly AF patients undergo to ACS or PCI.

Compliance and adherence to oral anticoagulation therapy in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation in the era of direct oral anticoagulants

Thromboembolic complications represent a substantial problem in patients with atrial fibrillation （AF）. The prevalence of AF burden and associated arterial and venous thrombosis progressively increases with age. At the same time, representative national data regarding stroke incidence in AF patients aged 80 and older are limited.

Percutaneous interventions in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation： leftatrial ablation and left atrial appendage occlusion

Heart rhythm disturbances become of special importancewhen patients reach a senior age. Atrial fibrillation （AF） isthe most prevalent arrhythmia among the old age groups,and its impact on morbidity and mortality becomes of para-mount significance. In this population, AF is responsible forsignificant amount of thromboembolic cerebrovascularevents, especially for disabling and fatal strokes, Follow-ing announcement of the special issue of the Journal of Geri-atric Cardiology devoted to heart rhythm disorders in theelderly, a number of submissions have been received withAF as the major topic of authors＇ researches.

Optimal INR level in elderly and non-elderly patients with atrial fibrillation receiving warfarin: a report from the COOL-AF nationwide registry in Thailand

Background Asian population are at increased risk of bleeding during the warfarin treatment,so the recommended optimal international normalized ratio(INR)level may be lower in Asians than in Westerners.The aim of this prospective multicenter study was to determine the optimal INR level in Thai patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation(NVAF).Methods Patients with NVAF who were on warfarin for stroke prevention were recruited from 27 hospitals in the nationwide COOL-AF registry in Thailand.We collected demographic data,medical history,risk factors for stroke and bleeding,concomitant disease,electrocardiogram and laboratory data including INR and antithrombotic medications.Outcome measurements included ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack(TIA)and major bleeding.Optimal INR level was assessed by the calculation of incidence density for six INR ranges(<1.5,1.5–1.99,2–2.49,2.5–2.99,3–3.49,and≥3.5).Results A total of 2,232 patients were included.The mean age of patients was 68.5±10.6 years.The mean follow-up duration was 25.7±10.6 months.There were 63 ischemic stroke/TIA and 112 major bleeding events.The lowest prevalence of ischemic stroke/TIA and major bleeding events occurred within the INR range of 2.0–2.99 for patients<70 years and 1.5–2.99 for patients≥70 years.Conclusions The INR range associated with the lowest risk of ischemic stroke/TIA and bleeding in the Thai population was 2.0–2.99 for patients<70 years and 1.5–2.99 for patients≥70 years.The rates of major bleeding and ischemic stroke/TIA were both higher than the rates reported in Western population.

Prevalence of atrial fibrillation in Thai elderly

Atrial fibrillation （AF） is an important health problem due to its association with serious complications.Ill Stroke is one of the most serious complications and is the leading cause of death and disabilities in this population. AF in- creases the risk of embolic stroke five times compared to general population. The prevalence of AF varies from 0.5%-15% depending on studied populations such as age,

Atrial fibrillation in the elderly

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an extremely common condition in the elderly, with increasing prevalence around the world as the population ages. AF may be associated with serious health consequences, including stroke, heart failure, and decreased quality of life, so that careful management of AF by geriatric health care providers is required. With careful attention to anticoagulation therapy, and prudent use of medications and invasive procedures to minimize symptoms, many of the adverse health consequences of AF can be prevented.

Pulse Pressure as a Risk Factor of Atrial Fibrillation in Black African Elderly Patients

Objective: The aim of this study was to show the prognostic role of High Pulse Pressure (PP) in the occurrence of atrial fibrillation in Black African elderly patients. Materials and Methods: In a comparative retrospective study related to 2000 patients admitted to the Institute of Cardiology of Abidjan, from January 1991 to December 2010 for atrial fibrillation, we matched pulse pressure and atrial fibrillation in Black African elderly patients. Results: The mean age of patients was 65 ± 10 years. Patients with high pulse pressure were 4.8 times more at risk to present atrial fibrillation than those with normal pulse pressure. The threshold of high risk pulse pressure was 65 mmHg. Conclusion: Pulse pressure is a factor of bad prognosis of atrial fibrillation in Black African elderly patients.

Atrial fibrillation in the elderly: Is ablation ready for prime time ?

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia and results in significant morbidity, especially in the elderly. The prevalence of atrial fibrillation increases dramatically with advancing age to almost 6% in individuals older than 65 years. In fact, 84% of people with atrial fibrillation are over 65 years of age.1 Additionally, the risk of stroke increases with advancing age, such that one-third of strokes in patients over the age of 65 are caused by atrial fibrillation.

Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors of Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly

Objective: To investigate the epidemiobgical characteristics of the elderly with atrial fibrillation (AF) in age, gender, the types of AF and relative causes. And To analyze the risk factors of persistent AF (PeAF), then use them to guide to prevent and treat for AF in the elderly.Methods: Collect the data of elderly patients with AF who were admitted to Liaoning People's Hospital from September 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017, and summarize the epidemiological characteristics of AF in the elderly. The risk factors for PeAF were analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis and mltivariate logistic regression analysis. Result: 1. In the elderly, the number of AF cases increase with age. The group of 75-84 years old was the largest part. The number of older females was larger than male in all ages. It was important to pay more attention to old woman with AF. 2.In the elderly, nonvalvular atrial fibrillation is popular. The top three causes of AF in the elderly were CHD, hypertension and heart failure. In the elderly, comorbidities were frequent, and the management was a major therapeutic objective. 3.CRP, 1eft atria diameter were the independent risk factors for PeAF in the elderly.

Rate of anticoagulant use, and factors associated with not prescribing anticoagulant in older Thai adults with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: A multicenter registry

Objectives To investigate the rate of anticoagulant use,the reasons for not prescribing anticoagulant,and the factors associated with non-prescription of anticoagulant in older Thai adults with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.Methods A multicenter registry of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation was conducted during 2014 to 2017 in Thailand.Demographic,medical history,antithrombotic medication,non-antithrombotic medication,and laboratory data were collected and analyzed.Data were compared between the older adult (≥ 65 years) and younger adult (< 65 years) groups.The reasons why anticoagulant was not prescribed were collected,and predictive factors were identified.Results A total of 3218 patients (1873 males) with an average age of 67.3 ± 11.3 years were included.Almost two-thirds (61.0%) of patients were in the older adult group.Anticoagulant was prescribed in 2422 patients (75.3%): 81.4% in the older adult group and 65.7% in the younger adult group.The three main reasons for not prescribing anticoagulant were already taking antiplatelets,patient refusal,and bleeding risk.These reasons were more common in older adults as compared to younger adults.Multivariate analysis revealed current use of antiplatelets to be the most important factor that predict the non-prescription of anticoagulant in older population.Conclusions The prevalence of anticoagulant prescription among older Thai adults with atrial fibrillation is 81.4%.Taking antiplatelet drugs was found to be the strongest reason that predicts the non-prescription of anticoagulant in this patient population.A guideline should be developed to optimize the use of anticoagulant and antiplatelet in older adults.

The relationship between polymorphisms of P-selectin genes and plasma P-selectin concentration with thrombosis in non-valvular atrial fibrillation of Kazakh ethnicity

Objective:To explore the relationship between polymorphisms in rs1800807 and rs1800808 locies of P-selectin gene and plasma concentrations of soluble P-selectin(sPs)and non-valvular atrial fibrillation(Af)coupled with thrombosis in Kazakh ethnicity.Methods:This was a case-control study,enrolling hospitalized Kazakh Af patients with and without thrombosis and healthy subjects.PCR-RFLP method was used to analyze the polymorphisms of the locies,and ELISA method was to measure plasma sPs concentrations.Subjects were divided into Af thrombosis,only Af and control groups.Results:We enrolled 42 Af thrombosis,156 only Af and 307 control subjects.Carriers of GG genotype of the loci rs1800807 was the highest in Af thrombosis,followed by only Af and the lowest in the control groups(69 vs 23.7 vs 18.2%,P<0.001).Carriers of TT genotype of the loci rs1800808 was the highest in Af thrombosis,followed by only Af and the lowest in the control groups(31.0 vs 13.5 vs 8.1%,P<0.001).Plasma sPs concentrations was the highest in Af thrombosis group,followed by only Af group and the lowest in the control(52.20 vs 34.04 vs 35.85pg/mL,P<0.001).Plasma sPs concentrations were significantly higher in the carriers of GG genotypes of the loci rs1800807 than in those of CC and CG genotypes(45.75 vs 33.86 vs 39.26pg/mL,P<0.001)and also significantly higher in the carries of TT of the loci rs1800808 than in those of CC and CT(43.16 vs 36.74 vs 39.08pg/mL,P<0.001).GG type of rs1800807 loci(OR=3.35,95%CI:2.03-5.55)and TT type of rs1800808(OR=2.19,95%CI:1.65-2.90)showed significantly higher odd's ratio for Af thrombosis,compared with the wild genotype and the highest tertile of plasma sPs aslo showed higher odd's ratio(OR=1.31,95CI%:1.12-1.93),compared with the lowest tertile.Conclusion:polymorphisms of the locies of the PS gene were observed to exist in Af patients with thrombosis and with higher concentrations of plamsa sPs,suggesting their involvement in Af and thrombosis in Kazakh subjects.

Atrial Myocardial Deformation Changes in Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. It increases cardiovascular morbidity, especially embolic stroke and mortality. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) is a useful method that has been used to detect changes in atrial myocardial deformation in AF patients. Objectives: To study atrial myocardial deformation changes in patient with non-valvular AF using 2D STE. Patients and Methods: This study included 25 patients with non-valvular AF and 25 normal healthy controls. 2D STE was used for assessment of strain and strain rate of septal and free walls of both right atrium (RA) and LA and left ventricle (LV). Results: Mean LA septal and lateral strain and strain rate were significantly reduced in the AF group compared to the control group (-7.2% ± 5.2% vs. -20.4% ± 3.9%, -8.7% ± 8.8% vs. -21.7% ± 3.4%) and (-0.9 ± 0.5 S-1 vs. -1.9 ± 0.4 S-1, –1.1 ± 0.6 S-1 vs. -2.04 ± 0.3 S-1) respectively. Mean RA septal and lateral strain and strain rate were significantly reduced in the AF group compared to the control group (-5.9% ± 6.1% vs. -23.4% ± 4.5%, -8.9% ± 9.3% vs. -21.7% ± 3.4%) and (-0.98 ± 0.6 S-1 vs. -1.9 ± 0.3 S-1, -1.3 ± 0.9 S-1 vs. -2.1 ± 0.5 S-1) respectively. Mean LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and strain rate were significantly reduced in the AF group compared to the control group (-8.8% ± 4.6% vs -19.6% ± 2.4%) and (-0.8 ± 0.3 S-1 vs -1.5 ± 0.4 S-1) respectively (P < 0.001 for all). Conclusion: AF is a bi-atrial disease, LA and RA myocardial deformation properties as well as LV GLS and strain rate measured by 2D STE were significantly impaired in AF patients compared to healthy controls.