Turkish Journal of
GERIATRICS

İzmir Atatürk Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi II. Kardiyoloji Kliniği, İZMİR Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an arrhythymia characterized by disorganized atrial depolarizations without effective contraction. Prevalence of AF increases with age and in elderly AF is generally associated with cardiovascular diseases. The most serious complication of AF is arterial thromboembolism and its most significant clinical outcome is stroke. Development of embolism varies according to the risk factors and stroke incidence associated with AF tends to increase with age. Anticoagulation with warfarin attenuates the risk of thromboembolism in all patient groups Independent from the type of AF (Paroxysmal, persistant, chronic). However, in elderly administration of warfarin increases the risk of hemorrhage. Therefore anticoagulation of older patients with AF should be individualized. Keywords : Atrial fibrillation; Stroke; Aged; Anticoagulation