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Postconditioning with Lactate-enriched Blood for Cardioprotection in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Published on: May 28, 2019
Management of acute myocardial infarction in the very elderly
D E Forman1, J L Bernal, J Y Wei
1Charles A. Dana Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.
Insights
Optimal treatment for elderly patients experiencing myocardial infarction (MI) is unclear. This review examines age-related cardiac changes and evaluates therapeutic options, including controversial thrombolytic and beta-blocker therapies, for older adults with MI.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction (MI) are highly prevalent in the elderly population.
- Optimal treatment strategies for MI in older adults remain poorly defined.
- Aging affects the myocardium, influencing cardiac patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics of the aging myocardium relevant to cardiac care.
- To present and evaluate therapeutic options for elderly patients with MI.
- To discuss controversial and experimental therapies in geriatric cardiology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on geriatric cardiology and myocardial infarction.
- Analysis of therapeutic options for elderly cardiac patients.
- Extensive review of thrombolytic and beta-blocker therapies in the context of aging.
Main Results:
- The aging myocardium presents unique challenges for managing MI.
- Therapeutic choices for elderly MI patients require careful consideration of age-related factors.
- Thrombolytic and beta-blocker therapies present specific controversies in geriatric cardiology.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to clarify optimal MI treatment in the elderly.
- Individualized treatment approaches are essential for older adults with MI.
- Understanding age-related myocardial changes is crucial for effective geriatric cardiac care.
Abstract:
Coronary artery disease is highly prevalent among the elderly, and the incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) is high. Still, the notion of optimal treatment for the elderly patient with MI remains unclear. This review will first discuss some of the characteristics of the aging myocardium that impact on the care of elderly cardiac patients. Next, the therapeutic options and their appropriateness for the aged patient are presented. Thrombolytic and beta-blocker therapies are reviewed extensively since they remain among the controversial issues in geriatric cardiology. Other well-known as well as experimental therapies are also discussed.
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