Outcome of elderly patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute ST-elevation myocardial

Peter Wenaweser1, Marianne Ramser, Stephan Windecker

  • 1Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland.

Insights

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in elderly patients (>/=75 years) shows favorable outcomes. While procedural success was lower in older adults, major adverse cardiac events were comparable to younger patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Geriatric Cardiology

Background:

  • ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a critical condition requiring prompt treatment.
  • Elderly patients often present with comorbidities, influencing treatment outcomes.
  • Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a primary treatment for STEMI.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of primary PCI in elderly patients (>/=75 years) with STEMI.
  • To compare outcomes of primary PCI in elderly versus younger STEMI patients.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective enrollment of 319 STEMI patients within 6-12 hours of symptom onset.
  • Comparison of 40 elderly patients (>/=75 years) undergoing primary PCI with 256 younger patients.
  • Assessment of PCI success rates, door-to-balloon times, periprocedural complications, and 6-month major adverse cardiac events.

Main Results:

  • Elderly patients had lower ejection fraction and more cardiovascular risk factors.
  • PCI success rates were 80% in elderly vs. 91% in younger patients (P=0.031).
  • Door-to-balloon times were comparable; periprocedural complications were low in both groups.

Conclusions:

  • Primary PCI in elderly STEMI patients yields favorable clinical outcomes, comparable to younger populations.
  • While procedural success is lower in the elderly, the intervention is safe with no increased periprocedural complications.
  • PCI should be considered for elderly patients with acute STEMI.
Abstract

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