Heart rhythm in 90+ years old fallers

• Published in: European geriatric medicine Vol. 4; no. 1; pp. 5 - 7
• Main Authors: Midttun, M, Güzel, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Masson SAS 01.02.2013
• Subjects: 90 years old; Falls patients; Internal Medicine; Oldest old; Supraventricular tachycardia; 90 years old; Falls patients; Supraventricular tachycardia; Oldest old; 90years old
• ISSN: 1878-7649; 1878-7657
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurger.2012.08.006

Abstract Introduction R-test (event recording), ecg, and antithrombotic medicine were studied retrospectively in 90+ years old falls patients. Material and methods Hundred and twenty-two R-tests were made in 111 90+ years old falls patients, between 2008–2011 in the Falls Clinic of the Department of Geriatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre; 95 women and 27 men, mean age 92.6 (90–99), were included. The results were compared to the patients 12 lead ecg. In cases of atrial fibrillation (AF) or supraventricular arrhythmias that were not with certainty AF, the rhythm was defined as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Antithrombotic treatment was studied. Results Ecg was available in 95 patients. Sixty patients (49.2%) had sinus rhythm (SR) on ecg, 34 (27.9%) had AF. Two patients with AF received vitamin K antagonists, 24 received ASA (70.6%). Seventy-three percent (44 patients) with SR on ecg showed SVT (37) and/or AF (7) on R-tests. Of these patients two patients received vitamin K antagonist, 32% (14 patients) ASA, two clopidogrel, and eight dipydiramol/dipydiramol + ASA. Conclusion The incidence of AF is increasing with increasing age, the complications are numerous and serious (falls, cerebral insults, dementia, death, etc.), therefore it is of uttermost importance to reveal these arrhythmias for example by routine event recordings when the patients are referred to the hospital, and subsequently start treatment in order to minimize or even better prevent these serious cerebral complications and potential falls that will undoubtedly disable these frail oldest old further.