Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2026
Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function
Published on: March 15, 2022
[Coronary angiography in octogenarians]
Anders Hovland1, Kari Jønland, Rune Wiseth
1Medisinski avdeling Nordlandsskehuset, Bodø. anders.hovland@nordlandssykehuset.no
Insights
Coronary angiography is safe for patients over 80, with a low complication rate of 5.4%. Many elderly patients receive invasive treatments like PCI or CABG after the procedure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Heart disease prevalence increases with age.
- The safety and outcomes of aggressive cardiac interventions in the elderly require elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes of coronary angiography in patients aged 80 and above.
- To determine the rate of complications and subsequent invasive treatment recommendations in this elderly cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study analyzing records of 277 patients aged 80+ who underwent coronary angiography.
- Systematic screening of patient records for complications and clinical consequences.
Main Results:
- Coronary angiography was performed primarily for coronary artery disease (CAD) and aortic stenosis (97%).
- Low mortality (0.4%) and a total complication rate of 5.4% (3.6% severe, 1.8% minor) were observed.
- 65% of patients were referred for invasive treatments, including percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and aortic valve replacement.
Conclusions:
- Coronary angiography is a safe diagnostic procedure for patients over 80.
- Elderly patients undergoing coronary angiography are frequently considered for and offered invasive cardiac treatments.
Background:
Prevalence of heart disease increases with age, and the consequences of a more aggressive approach to heart disease among the elderly should be elucidated.
Material And Methods:
In a retrospective study we examined the records of 277 patients above 80 years of age who have undergone coronary angiography at our institution. The records were systematically screened for all relevant information regarding complications and clinical consequences of the procedure.
Results:
97 % of the catheterisations were done because of coronary artery disease or aortic stenosis. Mortality following coronary angiography was 0.4 %. Severe complications were recorded in 3.6 %, minor complications in 1.8 %, which gives a total complication rate of 5.4 % in this group. 65 % of the patients were referred to invasive treatment (PCI, CABG, aortic valve replacements or combined procedures).
Interpretation:
Coronary angiography can be done safely in patients above the age of 80. Also in this age group patients are often offered invasive treatment following coronary angiography.
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