[Atrial fibrillation in a defined population of elderly persons].

Prevalence and comorbidity of atrial fibrillation were studied in 205 elderly patients in home treatment and care. As these patients have an increased risk of thromboembolic complications, we have also studied the use of antithrombotic treatment in this group. The prevalence of atrial fibrillation was 17.6% among all patients and was increasing with the age. The prevalence was higher in females (19.2%), than in males (10.5%). The prevalence of heart failure and angina pectoris was significantly higher among the patients with atrial fibrillation (p < 0.00001 for heart failure and p < 0.04 for angina pectoris). Previous stroke was more frequent in the group with atrial fibrillation (16.7%), than in control group (8.9%). Only 36.1% patients with atrial fibrillation were regularly using drugs and the rest of patients must be encouraged to take the therapy.