Net clinical benefit of anticoagulation therapy in the elderly patients with atrial fibrillation.

Old age remains one of the strongest risk factors for stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is the most effective way to prevent thromboembolic disease in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Until few years ago, aspirin and vitamin-K antagonists (VKAs) were the primary agents used to prevent thromboembolic disease in patients with AF.

Nutrient intake and serum cytokine pattern in elderly people with heart failure.

Background: Heart failure (HF) is frequently complicated by malnutrition. We estimated nutrient intake in HF patients and evaluated the correlation between serum cytokines and dietary pattern.

Methods: We studied 124 elderly (>or=60 years) patients with severe HF (N=62) or without HF (controls, N=62), matched for age and sex.