Atrial fibrillation: an epidemic in the elderly.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia that increases in prevalence with age. As the general population grows older, general practitioners will more frequently see this disease in their clinic population. In order to most effectively treat these patients, physicians need to understand key issues, including the use of rhythm control versus ventricular rate control and how to reduce the risk of ischemic stroke. This article will review recent advancements in the understanding of the pathophysiology, management, stroke risk stratification and prevention of thromboembolic complications in atrial fibrillation.