The occurrence of AF increases sharply with age. The aim of this study was to explore and compare prevalent co-morbidity and self-estimated health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in subjects with AF versus subjects with sinus rhythm or pacemaker in 85 years old subjects. We analyzed data from a population of 336 eighty-five years old subjects participating in the Elderly in Linköping Screening Assessment (ELSA-85) study. Medical history was obtained from postal questionnaire, medical records and during medical examination that included a physical examination, cognitive tests, non-fasting venous blood samples and electrocardiographic (ECG) examination. 19% had an ECG showing AF. There were very few significant differences regarding medical history, self-estimated quality of life (QoL), laboratory- and examination findings and use of public health care between the AF group and the non-AF group. The study showed that the population of 85 years old subjects with AF was surprisingly healthy in terms of prevalent co-existing medical conditions, healthcare contacts and overall HRQoL. We conclude that elderly patients with AF do not in general have increased co-morbidity than subjects without AF.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:: Global ageing contributes greatly to the burden of stroke. We investigated the influence of age on the baseline profile and on outcomes in acute intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) among participants of the INTERACT2 study.

METHODS:: INTERACT2 was an international, randomised controlled trial in 2839 patients with spontaneous ICH within 6 h of onset and elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP; 150-220 mmHg) who were allocated to receive intensive (target SBP <140 mmHg within 1 h) or guideline-recommended (target SBP <180 mmHg) blood pressure lowering treatment. Stroke severity was assessed with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Poor outcome was defined as death or major disability ('dependency', modified Rankin Scale scores 3-6) at 90 days. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed with the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire. Associations between age and outcomes were analysed in multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS:: Stroke severity increased in categories of older age (P-trend 0.002). Stroke patients over 75 years old were four times more likely to die or be disabled at 90 days than those <52 years when other confounders were accounted for (odds ratio 4.36, 95% confidence interval 3.12-6.08). Older age was also associated with decreasing HRQoL, across mobility, self-care, usual activities and depression (all P-trend <0.001), and pain or discomfort (P-trend 0.022).

CONCLUSION:: In the INTERACT2 cohort, older people had more severe ICH and worse outcomes (death, major disability and HRQoL). These data will help guide clinicians manage older people with haemorrhagic stroke. Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00716079).

Aim: To explore the natural course of blood pressure development and its relation to mortality in a nursing home cohort.

Methods: A cohort of 406 nursing home residents in south east Sweden was followed prospectively for 30 months. Participants were divided into four groups based on systolic blood pressure (SBP) at baseline. Data were analysed using a Cox regression model with all-cause mortality as the outcome measurement; paired Student t-tests were used to evaluate blood pressure development over time.

Results: During follow-up, 174 (43%) people died. Participants with SBP <120 mmHg had a hazard ratio for mortality of 1.56 (95% confidence interval, 1.08–2.27) compared with those with SBP 120–139 mmHg, adjusted for age and sex. Risk of malnutrition or present malnutrition was most common in participants with SBP <120 mmHg; risk of malnutrition or present malnutrition estimated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment was found in 78 (71%). The levels of SBP decreased over time independent of changes in anti-hypertensive medication.

Conclusions: In this cohort of nursing home residents, low SBP was associated with increased all-cause mortality. SBP decreased over time; this was not associated with altered anti-hypertensive treatment. The clinical implication from this study is that there is a need for systematic drug reviews in elderly persons in nursing homes, paying special attention to those with low SBP.

Aims

To explore the gender- and age-specific risk of developing a first myocardial infarction in people treated with antidiabetic and/or antidepressant drugs compared with people with no pharmaceutical treatment for diabetes or depression.

Methods

A cohort of all Swedish residents aged 45–84 years (n = 4 083 719) was followed for a period of 3 years. Data were derived from three nationwide registers. The prescription and dispensing of antidiabetic and antidepressant drugs were used as markers of disease. All study subjects were reallocated according to treatment and the treatment categories were updated every year. Data were analysed using a Cox regression model with a time-dependent variable. The outcome of interest was first fatal or non-fatal myocardial infarction.

Results

During follow-up, 42 840 people had a first myocardial infarction, 3511 of which were fatal. Women aged 45–64 years, receiving both antidiabetic and antidepressant drugs had a hazard ratio for myocardial infarction of 7.4 (95% CI 6.3–8.6) compared with women receiving neither. The corresponding hazard ratio for men was 3.1 (95% CI 2.8–3.6).

Conclusions

The combined use of antidiabetic and antidepressant drugs was associated with a higher risk of myocardial infarction compared with use of either group of drugs alone. The increase in relative risk was greater in middle-aged women than in middle-aged men.