Management of atrial fibrillation in heart failure in the elderly

In elderly patients, atrial fibrillation prevalence exceeds 10% and is commonly associated with heart failure rendering their management even more challenging. Therapies to be considered for heart failure related atrial fibrillation include appropriate treatment of underlying disease, prevention of thromboembolism, rate or rhythm control. The debate regarding rate versus rhythm control in the management of this group of patients has yet to be resolved. For old patients, the management requires an individual approach, which largely depends on comorbid conditions, underlying cardiac disease, and patient and physician preferences. Use of antiarrhythmic drug therapy for maintenance of sinus rhythm carries concerns of risk and limited efficacy. Catheter ablation for rhythm control is feasible for some patients, but further studies are needed to define the risks and benefits especially in older patients. Atrioventricular nodal ablation associated with pacing therapy is an effective non-pharmacological therapy in selected patients with medically refractory permanent high heart rate atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Several studies are ongoing and will provide more insight into the management of such patients.