Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. The prevalence of AF increases with age [1–4]. In a study of 2,101 persons, mean age 81 years, the prevalence of chronic AF was 5% in persons aged 60 to 70 years, 13% in persons aged 71 to 90 years, and 22% in persons aged 91 to 103 years [2]. Chronic AF was present in 16% of older men and in 13% of older women [2]. In a study of 1,563 persons, mean age 80 years, living in the community and seen in an academic geriatrics practice, the prevalence of chronic AF was 9% [4]. AF may be paroxysmal or chronic. Episodes of paroxysmal AF may last from a few seconds to several weeks. Spontaneous conversion of paroxysmal AF to sinus rhythm occurs in 68% of persons presenting with AF of less than 72 hours duration [5].
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