Related Experiment Videos
The Management of Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease in the Elderly
Juan C. Kaski1, David A. Smith
1Coronary Artery Disease Research Group, St. George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK.
Insights
Elderly patients with ischemic heart disease can benefit from aggressive treatment, even with comorbid conditions. Age alone should not prevent older individuals from receiving optimal care for heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Ischemic heart disease is a leading cause of death and disability globally.
- Management of ischemic heart disease in the elderly is complex due to comorbidities.
- Comorbidities can worsen ischemic heart disease and complicate treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the benefits of aggressive treatment for ischemic heart disease in elderly patients.
- To emphasize that age should not be a barrier to effective ischemic heart disease management.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on ischemic heart disease management in older adults.
- Analysis of treatment outcomes in elderly patients with comorbid conditions.
Main Results:
- Older patients with ischemic heart disease show significant benefits from aggressive treatment.
- Age-related challenges do not preclude positive therapeutic responses.
Conclusions:
- Aggressive and rational treatment of ischemic heart disease is beneficial for elderly patients.
- Treatment decisions for ischemic heart disease in the elderly should not be based solely on age.
Abstract:
Despite advances in medical and surgical therapy, ischemic heart disease remains the most important cause of death and disability in an ever growing population. The management of elderly patients with ischemic heart disease is made more difficult by the presence of comorbid medical conditions, which can both further aggravate ischemic heart disease and interfere with pharmacological and interventional therapy. Despite the difficulties in the management of ischemic heart disease in the elderly, there is substantial evidence that older patients can benefit greatly from aggressive, rational treatment of this condition and, therefore, such treatment should not be denied solely on the grounds of age. (c) 2000 by CVRR, Inc.