💓 Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) in Older Adults
Plain-language information about atrial fibrillation (AFib) in older adults. This page is for older Canadians and their caregivers. It does not replace advice from your own health-care provider.
1. What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation (often called AFib) is a common heart rhythm problem. In AFib, the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat in a fast and irregular way.
⚠️ Stroke risk
Because the upper chambers do not squeeze normally, blood can pool in the heart and form clots. These clots can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. This is why treatment is so important.
Common symptoms
💡 Did you know?
Some people have no clear symptoms and only find out they have AFib from a test or routine check-up.
2. Why atrial fibrillation matters more in older adults
AFib becomes more common with age and is a major cause of stroke in older adults. In older adults, AFib:
- Greatly increases the risk of stroke, especially if not treated
- Often occurs along with other heart problems or high blood pressure
- May require careful balancing of blood thinners and fall/bleeding risks
- Can worsen symptoms of heart failure if present
👴 For older adults
Your provider will carefully weigh your stroke risk against your bleeding risk when deciding on blood thinners. Age alone does not mean you cannot take these important medications.
3. How doctors usually treat atrial fibrillation
Health-care providers consider:
- How long you have had AFib
- How severe your symptoms are
- Your risk of stroke and your risk of bleeding
- Other heart or health conditions
- Your age and overall health
Treatment goals usually include:
Often with blood-thinning medications
Keeping it from beating too fast
When appropriate for some patients
Such as high blood pressure
⚠️ Important
This website does not tell you which treatment or blood thinner is right for you. Only your provider can do that.
4. Common types of medicines for atrial fibrillation in older adults
🛡️ To reduce stroke risk
Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
Such as warfarin – requires regular blood tests to monitor levels
Newer oral anticoagulants (DOACs/NOACs)
Such as apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, edoxaban – may require less monitoring
💓 To control heart rate
Beta blockers
Slow the heartbeat
Calcium channel blockers
Slow conduction in the heart
📈 To help control rhythm (in some people)
Anti-arrhythmic medications
Help maintain a normal rhythm
Procedures
Electrical cardioversion or ablation, in selected cases
👴 For older adults
Each medicine has its own benefits and risks, especially in older adults who may be more prone to falls, kidney problems, or other conditions. Your provider will choose carefully.
5. Possible side effects older adults may notice
Side effects depend on the specific medication.
🩸 For blood thinners – watch for signs of bleeding
💓 For heart rate or rhythm medicines
⚠️ Do not stop on your own
Do not stop blood thinners or heart medicines on your own. Stopping suddenly may increase your risk of stroke or worsening heart problems.
6. Habits and lifestyle that may help
Lifestyle changes cannot cure AFib, but certain habits may help support heart health and reduce triggers. What is safe and realistic is different for each person.
🫀 General heart-healthy habits
- Heart-healthy eating patterns (more vegetables, fruits, high-fibre foods; fewer highly processed, salty foods)
- Staying as active as is safely possible, with your provider's approval
- Not smoking
- Limiting alcohol, which can trigger AFib in some people
- Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes as advised
📝 Monitoring and triggers
Common AFib triggers to be aware of:
Keep a simple record of symptoms (when your heart feels fast or irregular, and what you were doing) to share with your provider.
✅ Always ask first
Always ask your health-care provider which activities are safe for your heart rhythm, and whether there are any specific things you should avoid.
7. When to call your doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist
(Non-urgent)
Contact your health-care provider or pharmacist if:
- Your heart seems to be racing or beating irregularly more often than usual
- You feel more tired or short of breath during your usual activities
- You notice new or increased ankle or leg swelling
- You have questions about how to take your blood thinner
- You have had minor bleeding episodes and are unsure if your medication dose is still right
8. When to call 911 or go to the emergency department
🚨 Call 911 immediately if:
- You have chest pain or pressure that does not go away
- You are very short of breath, especially if it started suddenly
- You feel like you might faint, or you do faint
- You have signs of a stroke (sudden weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, or severe headache)
If possible, do not drive yourself. Ask someone to call for you or call an ambulance.
🧠 Remember FAST for stroke signs:
9. Questions to ask your doctor or nurse practitioner
You can print these questions and bring them to your next appointment:
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
The information on SeniorHealthGuide.ca is general and may not fit your exact situation. It is for education only.
It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only a health professional who knows your medical history can tell you what is right for you.
Never start, stop, or change any medication, or make major changes to your diet or exercise, without checking with your doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist.