Comparison of the clinical features and outcomes in two age-groups of elderly patients with atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) disproportionately affects older adults. However, direct comparison of clinical features, medical therapy, and outcomes in AF patients aged 65-74 and ≥ 75 years is rare. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the differences in clinical characteristics and prognosis in these two age-groups of geriatric patients with AF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,336 individuals aged ≥ 65 years from a Chinese AF registry were assessed in the present study: 570 were in the 65- to 74-year group, and 766 were in the ≥ 75-year group. Multivariable Cox hazards regression was performed to analyze the major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) between groups. RESULTS: In our population, the older group were more likely to have coronary artery disease, hypertension, previous stroke, cognitive disorder, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and the 65- to 74-year group were more likely to have valvular heart disease, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, or sleep apnea. The older patients had 1.2-fold higher mean CHADS2 (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 years, diabetes, stroke) scores, but less probability of being prescribed drugs. Compared with those aged 65-74 years, the older group had a higher risk of death (hazard ratio 2.881, 95% confidence interval 1.981-4.189; P<0.001) or MACE (hazard ratio 2.202, 95% confidence interval 1.646-2.945; P<0.001) at the 1-year follow-up. In multivariable Cox analyses, secondary AF diagnosis, a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and left ventricular systolic dysfunction were independent predictors of MACE in the older group. CONCLUSION: Patients aged ≥ 75 years had a worse prognosis than those aged 65-74 years, and were associated with a higher risk of both death and MACE.