There is data to suggest cardioversion is less likely to return the heart to normal sinus rhythm in the shortterm in aged AF patients than in younger AF patients, hence cardioversion appears to be of dubious value in the elderly. Beta-blockers and thrombolysis appear less effective in older patients with acute myocardial infarction vs. their younger counterparts, hence are appropriately used less frequently in the elderly. Strict sodium restriction is crucial to implement in managing the elderly CHF patient. The prevalence of CHF due to diastolic dysfunction increases with advancing age. The NCEP strongly recommends lipid-lowering therapy for secondary prevention in the elderly, but recommends against the same for primary prevention.
Hyperlipidemia is protective with respect to mortality in healthy older persons.
Management of the Older Person with Atrial Fibrillation. Barakat K, Wilkinson P, Deaner A, et al. A prospective cohort study. The Canadian Heart Health Surveys. Managing Dyslipidemia in Older Adults.