Characteristics of geriatric status and asthenia syndrome in elderly and senile patients with atrial fibrillation

Relevance. In the field of geriatrics, atrial fibrillation and senile asthenia syndrom stand out as two important medical and social difficulties. The interaction of these conditions has a profound negative impact on the prospects of recovery, contributes to an increase in the number of complications and makes the process of treating patients more complex and complex.

The aim of the study was to compare the components of asthenia in patients with atrial fibrillation depending on age group.

Materials and methods. This observational study included 267 patients with AF, divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=120, aged ≥75 years) and Group 2 (n=147, aged 60–74 years). All patients underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment using validated questionnaires and instruments: the «Age is not a hindrance» questionnaire (assessment of attitudes toward aging), the MoCA test (assessment of cognitive function), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‑15), the Barthel Index (assessment of activities of daily living), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and handgrip dynamometry (assessment of muscle strength). Statistical analysis was performed using StatTech v. 4.11.1 (developer – StatTech LLC, Russia).

Results. Patients in Group 1 (≥75 years) compared with Group 2 (60–74 years) demonstrated a more negative perception of aging (6.0 [6.0–7.0] points vs. 5.0 [5.0–6.0]), severe cognitive impairment (MoCA: 19.0 [18.0–21.0] points vs. 23.0 [21.0–25.0]), signs of clinical depression (GDS‑15: 9.0 [7.0–9.0] points vs. 6.0 [5.0–7.5]), significant limitation of daily activities (Barthel: 75.0 [60.0–90.0] points vs. 95.0 [95.0–100.0]), severe insomnia (ISI: 21.0 [16.0–22.0] points vs. 8.0 [8.0–15.0]) and decreased muscle strength (24.0 [20.0–31.0] kg versus 30.0 [27.0–39.5] kg).

Conclusion. Unlike elderly patients, patients with atrial fibrillation in old age (≥75 years) experience severe polymorphic asthenia, affecting the psyche, thinking, emotions, daily functions, and physical condition.

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