Treatment FAQ

what is the best option treatment for a 81-year old lady with a fib

by Prof. Zackery Hudson Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

How is atrial fibrillation treated in the elderly?

In the elderly patients, especially the asymptomatic ones, rate control is the first-line therapy. As shown in the AFFIRM substudy, β-blockers are the most effective at achieving that goal. Nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (verapamil and diltiazem) can be administered as an alternative.Oct 27, 2015

What is the most effective treatment for atrial fibrillation?

Heart rate medicines: The most common way to treat atrial fibrillation is with drugs that control your heartbeat. These slow your rapid heart rate so your heart can pump better. You may need other drugs. Some are called beta-blockers.Oct 21, 2021

What is the drug of choice for atrial fibrillation?

Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers are the drugs of choice because they provide rapid rate control. 4,7,12 These drugs are effective in reducing the heart rate at rest and during exercise in patients with atrial fibrillation.Jul 15, 2002

What is the drug of choice in heart failure with atrial fibrillation?

Pharmacologic options for controlling the ventricular response to AF include β-blockers, nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, and digoxin. Digoxin primarily slows the ventricular rate by increasing parasympathetic tone on the atrioventricular node.

What is the life expectancy of a person with AFib?

A longitudinal study found that atrial fibrillation reduces life expectancy by two years on average, a small improvement from the three year reduction expected in the 1970s and 80s. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, that can lead to complications like blood clots, stroke and heart failure.Aug 12, 2020

Which is better cardioversion or ablation?

Conclusion: In patients with AF, there is a small periprocedural stroke risk with ablation in comparison to cardioversion. However, over longer-term follow-up, ablation is associated with a slightly lower rate of stroke.

Which is better metoprolol or diltiazem?

The key finding is that diltiazem was more effective than metoprolol in achieving rate control in ED patients with AFF at all time points within 30 min and did so with no increased incidence of adverse effects.

What foods should be avoided with atrial fibrillation?

7 Foods to Avoid When You Have Atrial Fibrillation
  • Alcohol. Alcohol tops the list of items to avoid on an atrial fibrillation diet. ...
  • Caffeine. ...
  • Grapefruit. ...
  • Cranberry Juice. ...
  • Asparagus and Leafy Green Vegetables. ...
  • Processed and Salty Foods. ...
  • Gluten.

What medications should be avoided with atrial fibrillation?

Atrial Fibrillation Drugs to Avoid
  • Warfarin (also known as Coumadin and Jantoven)
  • Apixaban (also known as Eliquis)
  • Rivaroxaban (also known as Xarelto)
  • Aspirin.
  • Enoxaparin (also known as Lovenox)
  • Clopidogrel (also known as Plavix)
  • Heparin.
  • Dabigatran (also known as Pradaxa)

Which beta blocker is best for atrial fibrillation?

Bisoprolol* or metoprolol succinate are first-choice beta-blockers for patients with atrial fibrillation as they are prescribed once-daily and do not require dose adjustment in patients with renal impairment. Bisoprolol is preferred as it is more cardioselective than metoprolol and may cause more bradycardia.Jul 21, 2017

How long can you live with AFib and congestive heart failure?

Life expectancy with congestive heart failure varies depending on the severity of the condition, genetics, age, and other factors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around one-half of all people diagnosed with congestive heart failure will survive beyond five years.Jul 18, 2018

Can a pacemaker treat AFib?

Some people who have atrial fibrillation need a pacemaker. The pacemaker does not treat atrial fibrillation itself. The pacemaker is used to treat a slow heart rate (bradycardia) that happens in some people who have atrial fibrillation.

What is the management of atrial fibrillation?

Management of atrial fibrillation in the rapidly growing population of older patients involves a comprehensive strategy that includes consideration of their comorbidities, functional and social status. Activity level and medication tolerance are different in this category of patients and expectations are focused on quality of life and symptom relief. Invasive methods, such as catheter ablation, are the new frontier of treatment for maintaining sinus rhythm in this population with complication rate comparable to younger patients.

Can antiarrhythmics be used in elderly patients?

Older patients usually have coexisting heart, renal, or hepatic diseases, which can cause limitations of treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs . Beta-blockers are probably the most used, investigated and safe medications in this age group.

Does aging cause AF?

Alongside the accumulation of different cardiovascular diseases and risk factors, aging itself is a condition predisposing to AF , characterised by myocardial fibrosis and atrial dilatation. Human aging produces changes in electrophysiological and electro-anatomical characteristics of the atrial myocardium.

Why is my heart rate so high in AF?

The underlying causes of a high heart rate in new-onset AF could be acute infection, anaemia, endocrine imbalance, pulmonary thromboembolism, etc. If high sympathetic tone is suspected as a reason for the high heart rate, then beta-blockers or non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCB) are preferred over digoxin.

Is amiodarone a last resort?

Amiodarone is the drug of choice for rate control, yet it has considerable extracardiac adverse effects. According to the ESC Guidelines, it should be used as a last resort drug in patients whose heart rate cannot be controlled with combination therapy [3].

Is flecainide a good rate control?

Membrane active rhythm control medications, such as flecainide or sotalol, are not recommended for rate control, because the potential pro-arrhythmic effect outweighs the usefulness of rate control. Rate control is also a choice of treatment in patients where rhythm control was not successful.

Can amiodarone be used for cardioversion?

Amiodarone can be used for pharmacological cardioversion safely and effectively in all patients [3]. In the absence of structural heart disease, IV flecainide, propafenone or vernakalant could be the treatment of choice. A “pill in the pocket” strategy with flecainide and propafenone may also be recommended [3].

What is the best vitamin for bone loss in old age?

Calcium and vitamin D supplementation in old age. One of the main determinants of bone loss and fracture risk in old age is calcium and vitamin D deficiency; therefore, combined supplementation of calcium and vitamin D has become one of the main components for reducing bone loss and fracture risk in old age.

Can osteoporosis be treated in elderly?

Although more research is required to further clarify the effect of osteoporosis drugs in the elderly, especially with respect to hip fractures, there is currently sufficient evidence to initiate appropriate treatment in the elderly with osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures .

What is the best treatment for pelvic organ prolapse?

Another treatment option for pelvic organ prolapse is implanting surgical mesh into the vagina. In January 2016, the FDA started to require clinical trials for surgical mesh to test the safety of the procedure. Clinical trials provide women with information regarding potential risks associated with surgical mesh.

What are the different types of support pessaries?

Types of space occupying pessaries include the gellhorn, shaatz, donut, and cube, which can all be used to treat advanced prolapse.

What are non surgical options?

Nonsurgical options include lifestyle changes, such as kegel exercises, and vaginal pessaries. Surgical options include implanting surgical mesh or as a last resort, having a hysterectomy. It is best to consult with your health care provider to ensure you are making the health decision that is right for you.

What to consider when considering an intervention for elderly?

memory), onset of action, sexual dysfunction, etc. Always look at the side effect profile of the intervention that you’re pursuing to determine whether you think it would be an ideal fit for the elderly person.

What antidepressants are effective for elderly people?

Tricyclic antidepressants: If an elderly individual is using a tricyclic antidepressant, they need to be used with precaution due to their side effects. Various tricyclics that appear to be effective for old people include: nortriptyline, amitriptyline, clomipramine, and desipramine.

What to consider when treating depression in elderly?

Factors to consider when treating depression in elderly patients. Before pursuing any antidepressant for an el derly individual, it is important to analyze the potential risks vs. benefits. It is also important to be aware of any interactions and side effects associated with the medication. Finally the elderly patient should estimate ...

What is the oldest treatment for pop?

Pessaries are the oldest known treatment for POP, dating back 2,500 years. They act as space fillers in the vaginal canal to support the vagina and block the intrusion of prolapsing tissue. They can be an excellent form of noninvasive treatment, improving POP and its associated urinary symptoms.

Is POP treatment different for elderly?

Treatment of POP in elderly patients is not necessarily substantially different than in the general population, but there can be special considerations, lifestyle concerns and comorbidities that factor in the treatment decision. Physicians should not base treatment decisions solely on chronological age.

What are the three main POP treatments?

Observation (which may include physical therapy), pessaries and surgery are the three main POP treatment options. In my estimation, 30 to 40 percent of patients who choose non-observational treatment opt for a pessary, and the remainder elect surgery.

Is PFPT good for pop?

However, PFPT is considered most useful for women with mild to moderate POP — not severe POP. Pessaries are the oldest known treatment for POP, dating back 2,500 years. They act as space fillers in the vaginal canal to support the vagina and block the intrusion of prolapsing tissue.

Can pessaries be used for surgery?

Well-designed studies comparing pessaries’ efficacy to surgery are scant, however. In addition to first-line treatment, pessaries can also be an excellent bridge to surgery.

What is the best medication for PDE5?

The three most widely used medications for penile injection therapy include: papaverine.

Who shouldn't take PDE5 inhibitors?

Who shouldn’t take these meds. People who have certain health conditions, including heart disease , shouldn’t take these medications. People who take certain medications to manage another health condition shouldn’t take PDE5 inhibitors either. This includes nitrates and alpha-blockers.

Is vardenafil better than tadalafil?

For example, vardenafil usually works faster than the other medications, while tadalafil’s effects last longer. Tadalafil is often a good choice for older adults who also have an enlarged prostate because it can be prescribed for daily dosing.

What is the best medication for penile injections?

The three most widely used medications for penile injection therapy include: papaverine. phentolamine.

Can you take PDE5 inhibitors with alpha blockers?

People who take certain medications to manage another health condition shouldn’t take PDE5 inhibitors either. This includes nitrates and alpha-blockers. Older men are more likely to have heart disease or take nitrates for blood pressure.

Can you have a lung lobectomy at age 80?

Studies looking at wedge resection, segmentectomy, or lobectomy for lung cancer treatment have found that many older adults are able to tolerate the surgery quite well, and those over age 80 don’t seem to have a higher risk of complications compared to adults 10 or more years younger. 3.

Is lung cancer good for people in their 80s?

There are some who think that adults in their 80s or 90s are too "fragile" to pursue aggressive treatments for late stages, or that lung cancer treatment, in general, offers little benefit. Fortunately, even older adults can see positive results from therapies.

Is lung cancer treatment appropriate for older adults?

There are some who think that adults in their 80s or 90s are too "fragile" to pursue aggressive treatments for late stages, or that lung cancer treatment, in general, offers little benefit. Fortunately, even older adults can see positive results from therapies.

What is the best treatment for lung cancer?

If your early-stage lung cancer is inoperable, or if you prefer not to go through surgery, a targeted radiation treatment called stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) may be the best option. Research has found that SBRT for stage 1 lung cancer appears to be both safe and effective for people age 90 and older. 5.

Is SBRT safe for stage 1 lung cancer?

Research has found that SBRT for stage 1 lung cancer appears to be both safe and effective for people age 90 and older. 5. Some lung cancer specialists now believe that SBRT should be the treatment of choice for early-stage lung cancer in people over the age of 80.

Can stage 3B be used for cancer?

With stage 3B and stage 4 NSCLC, as well as extensive SCLC, surgery may be used to help manage cancer in older adults. This is not typical, however. Instead, doctors will usually focus on systemic treatments that help relieve symptoms, extend life, and, when appropriate, act as palliative care .

What is the procedure to remove lung cancer cells?

A segmentectomy involves the removal of a somewhat larger piece of tissue than the wedge resection.

Is ERT effective for women?

The reduction is greatest in long-term and/or current users. ERT is effective in women with and without cardiovascular disease risk factors. A most feared aspect of aging is Alzheimer's disease. In Leisure World, women who had used ERT had a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease.

What is ERT therapy?

Some women supplement this period of decreased estrogen production with estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). Since the 1970s, we have evaluated the long-term risks and benefits of ERT in one population of women, the Leisure World retirement community. ERT is the most effective method for preventing osteoporotic bone loss ...

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