Enhanced external counterpulsation in the management of angina in the elderly

This study was undertaken to determine whether enhanced external counterpulsation is a safe and effective treatment for angina in octogenarians. In this prospective observational study, demographic and clinical outcome data on patients consecutively enrolled in the International EECP Patient Registry was examined. Of the 3037 patients analyzed, 249 (8%) were >/=80 years old. Octogenarians were more likely to be female and have a history of congestive heart failure (41% vs. 29%; p<0.001). They were less likely to have had previous revascularization. Fewer patients in the octogenarian group (76% vs. 84%; p<0.01) completed a course of treatment. Of those octogenarian patients who completed treatment, 76% reported a reduction in angina and quality of life improved significantly. Adverse events related to treatment were low. At 6-month follow-up, 81% reported maintenance of angina improvement. Thus, enhanced external counterpulsation is a low-risk intervention that offers octogenarians the ability to return to more normal activity and a better quality of life.