How is atrial fibrillation treated in the elderly?
Sep 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, atrial fibrillation in the elderly is usually caused by factors such as aging, excessive alcohol consumption, rheumatic heart disease, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, and pulmonary heart disease. It can be managed through general treatments, medication, and other methods. Elderly individuals should avoid excessive alcohol intake and maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and moderate exercise.
In general, atrial fibrillation (AF) in elderly individuals is commonly caused by factors such as aging, excessive alcohol consumption, rheumatic heart disease, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, and pulmonary heart disease. It can be managed through general treatments, medication, and other approaches. If any discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Aging
With advancing age, the cardiac conduction system in older adults undergoes degenerative changes, and cardiac function gradually declines. This natural deterioration of heart function may lead to abnormal electrical activity in the atria, thereby triggering atrial fibrillation. It is advisable to avoid strenuous exercise and maintain a balanced diet to slow down the aging process.
2. Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol has a stimulating effect on the heart. Heavy drinking can disrupt the heart's electrical activity, thus inducing atrial fibrillation. It is important to control alcohol intake in daily life.
3. Rheumatic Heart Disease
Rheumatic heart disease is often caused by infection with group B hemolytic streptococcus, leading to increased atrial pressure and atrial myocardial lesions, which may trigger atrial fibrillation. Symptoms may include chest tightness, palpitations, and shortness of breath. Under medical guidance, medications such as warfarin sodium tablets, amoxicillin capsules, and azithromycin dispersible tablets may be used for treatment.
4. Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease
Genetic and environmental factors may contribute to coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, causing myocardial ischemia, hypoxia, and necrosis, altering the heart's electrical conduction system and triggering atrial fibrillation. Symptoms may include palpitations and chest tightness. Elderly individuals should adjust their dietary habits, and patients must follow medical advice to take medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets, clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate tablets, and amlodipine atorvastatin calcium tablets.
5. Pulmonary Heart Disease
Pulmonary heart disease results from chronic bronchopulmonary diseases, thoracic disorders, or pulmonary vascular diseases, ultimately leading to right heart failure. Right ventricular abnormalities may affect the heart's electrical conduction system, inducing atrial fibrillation, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as chest tightness, palpitations, and shortness of breath. Under medical supervision, medications such as ambrisentan tablets, furosemide tablets, and spironolactone capsules may be used for treatment.
The triggers of atrial fibrillation in the elderly are diverse. It is important to avoid excessive alcohol consumption, maintain a healthy lifestyle—including a balanced diet, moderate physical activity, and regular monitoring of blood pressure, lipid levels, and blood glucose—and actively manage underlying conditions to reduce the risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
