Acute coronary syndrome in the elderly
Madhan Shanmugasundaram1, Joseph S Alpert
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, 1501 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA. smadhan13@gmail.com
Clinical Cardiology
|November 26, 2009
Summary
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) causes more deaths in older Americans, yet they receive less guideline-recommended treatment. Improving ACS care for the elderly is crucial due to demographic shifts.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a growing cause of mortality in individuals aged 65 and older in the United States.
- Demographic trends, including declining birth rates and increasing life expectancy, exacerbate the impact of ACS in the elderly population.
- Despite potential benefits, elderly patients with ACS are often undertreated with cardiac medications and early-invasive strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the increasing mortality from ACS in the elderly US population.
- To underscore the demographic factors contributing to this trend.
- To address the disparity in ACS treatment for older adults.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of mortality data for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the US population, stratified by age (>= 65 years).
- Review of demographic trends, including birth rates and life expectancy.
- Examination of current clinical practices regarding the use of cardiac medications and early-invasive approaches in elderly ACS patients.
Main Results:
- ACS is a leading cause of death among Americans aged 65 and older.
- The elderly demographic is expanding, increasing the at-risk population for ACS.
- There is underutilization of evidence-based treatments, including cardiac medications and early-invasive strategies, in elderly patients with ACS.
Conclusions:
- The rising mortality from ACS in the elderly necessitates urgent attention.
- Demographic shifts make the elderly population particularly vulnerable to ACS.
- Clinical practice must improve to ensure older adults receive optimal ACS treatment, including timely medication and invasive procedures.
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