Treatment strategies in geriatric patients with atrial fibrillation: Results from the NATURE AF registry

Background Distinct differences in clinical presentation and managementof atrial fibrillation(AF) were observed in geriatricversus younger patients from several registries. However, there is a lack of information about age-related AF profile in our population. Purpose To raise, according of age, therapeutic particularities of patients recruitedfrom the prospective NATURE AF registry (NAtional TUnisian REgistry of Atrial Fibrillation). Methods Between March and June 2017, we prospectively registered information of 912 patients with a recently diagnosed AF. Rhythm management and anticoagulation strategies were compared between two groups of geriatric(> 75 years old) and younger ( Results Twenty-three percents of patients had more than 75 years old. Underlying cardiopathy was similar between the two groups ( P = 0.181). However, there was age difference concerning the pattern of AF ( P = P P = 0.007) in contrast to the similar use of B-blockers ( P = 0.251). When rhythm control strategy was adopted, there was no significant difference in the use of the majority of antiarrythmic drugs, however, only flecaine was less prescribed in geriatricthan younger population ( P P = 0.125) and novel oral anticoagulants ( P = 0.165). Conclusion NATURE AF registry showed that geriatricpatients differ from youngs in term of rhythm management strategy. However, both groups shared, unexpectedly, similar anticoagulation therapy use.