The Elderly Aren't Given Mainstream Treatment for Stroke Prevention

Almost 2.2 million Americans have atrial fibrillation. Fibrillation occurs when the top chambers of the heart quiver instead of beating. Blood is not pumped through the chambers efficiently, and sometimes it pools and clots. The clotting can cause a heart attack. Usually it causes a stroke.

The likelihood of anyone having atrial fibrillation is age. As one’s age increases, so does the risk of fibrillation.

The main thrust of treatment is to prevent stroke. Various heart medications, electrically attempting to eliminate the fibrillation (cardioversion), and even surgery (ablation) are all methods to eliminate fibrillation as a problem. However, one of the main drugs is Coumadin (a potent blood thinner). Coumadin decreases the risk for one’s blood to clot and cause a stroke. The American Heart Association reports that Coumadin can reduce the chance of a stroke by 68%.

So, one would think that all people who have atrial fibrillation would also be given Coumadin. Not so! The elderly are often not given Coumadin, as doctor’s have believed it would increase their chance of bleeding, and they might be worse off than they started. As the elderly are the one’s more than likely to have atrial fibrillation, a vital and large segment of the population is not receiving the endorsed treatment.

However, thanks to the new emphasis on the elderly of America, a new research finding indicates that the risk of bleeding from Coumadin is a myth. As long as the levels are maintained as recommended, and continuous monitoring is implemented by a health care professional; the elderly are no more in danger of bleeding than their younger counterparts. The use of warfarin in the elderly led to a significant reduction in vascular death, stroke, pulmonary clots, or heart attacks.

Hopefully, this research will seep into the medical mainstream of treatment soon!

Source

Lancet. 2007;370:493-503, 460-461.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/561225?sssdmh=dm1.292842&src=nldne

The American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4451