The risk–benefit assessment for anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation in the elderly is a conundrum, but considering the relative consequences of stroke, which might be greater than those of anticoagulant-related bleeds, can be of help in decision-making
References
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2. Fitzmaurice DA, Hobbs FDR, Jowett S et al. Screening versus routine practice in detection of atrial fibrillation in patients aged 65 or over: cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ 2007;335:383.
3. BPAC. Management of atrial fibrillation in general practice. Best Pract J 2011. BPJ: 39. Available online at https://bpac.org.nz/bpj/2011/october/af.aspx
4. Teh R, Kerse N, Kepa M et al. Self-rated health, health-related behaviours and medical conditions of Maori and non-Maori in advanced age: LiLACS NZ. NZ Med J 2014;127(1397):13–29.
5. BPAC. The use of antithrombotic medicines in general practice: a consensus statement. Best Pract J 2011. BPJ: 39. Available online at https://bpac.org.nz/bpj/2011/october/antithrombotic.aspx
6. Turagam MK, Velagapudi P, Flaker GC. Stroke prevention in the elderly atrial fibrillation patient with comorbid conditions: focus on non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants Clin Interv Aging 2015;10:1431–44.
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