Atrial Fibrillation as a Geriatric Syndrome: Why Are Frailty and Disability Often Confused? A Geriatric Perspective from the New Guidelines

Crescenzo Testa, Marco Salvi (), Irene Zucchini, Chiara Cattabiani, Francesco Giallauria, Laura Petraglia, Dario Leosco, Fulvio Lauretani () and Marcello Maggio
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Crescenzo Testa: Geriatric Clinic Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
Marco Salvi: Geriatric Clinic Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
Irene Zucchini: Geriatric Clinic Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
Chiara Cattabiani: Geriatric Clinic Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
Francesco Giallauria: Department of Translational Medical Sciences, “Federico II” University of Naples, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
Laura Petraglia: Department of Translational Medical Sciences, “Federico II” University of Naples, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
Dario Leosco: Department of Translational Medical Sciences, “Federico II” University of Naples, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
Fulvio Lauretani: Geriatric Clinic Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
Marcello Maggio: Geriatric Clinic Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 2, 1-13

Abstract: Atrial Fibrillation can be considered a geriatric syndrome for its prevalence and incidence, its impact on patients’ quality of life, and Health Systems’ economy. The European Society of Cardiology 2024 guidelines introduce a recommendation for maintaining vitamin K antagonist therapy over switching to direct oral anticoagulants in clinically stable elderly patients with atrial fibrillation. This article explores the implications of this indication for the geriatric clinical context. The focus will also be devoted to the need for the stratification of older patients with atrial fibrillation, making an appropriate distinction between frailty and disability.

Keywords: frailty; disability; concepts discrepancy; atrial fibrillation; older persons (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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