Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 18, 2026

A Murine Model of Stent Implantation in the Carotid Artery for the Study of Restenosis
04:30

A Murine Model of Stent Implantation in the Carotid Artery for the Study of Restenosis

Published on: May 14, 2013

Invasive treatment for coronary artery disease in the elderly

S Gold1, W F Wong, I J Schatz

  • 1Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu.

Archives of Internal Medicine
|June 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Coronary artery bypass grafting and angioplasty are viable options for elderly patients. While risks are slightly higher, serious comorbidities, not age alone, drive complications, with excellent long-term outcomes for older individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Interventional Cardiology

Background:

  • Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) are established treatments for coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • Older patients represent a growing demographic undergoing cardiovascular interventions.
  • Assessing the safety and efficacy of these procedures in the elderly population is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize current trends and outcomes of CABG and PTCA in elderly patients.
  • To evaluate the impact of age versus comorbidities on procedural complications.
  • To assess long-term survival and quality of life after these interventions in older individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Review and synthesis of findings from multiple surgical series involving CABG and PTCA in elderly cohorts.
  • Analysis of perioperative mortality, cardiovascular morbidity, and complication rates.
  • Evaluation of long-term survival, pain relief, and quality of life metrics.

Main Results:

  • Perioperative mortality and morbidity remain higher in elderly patients but are declining.
  • Complications are more strongly associated with serious concomitant diseases than with age alone.
  • Long-term survival and pain relief following CABG are excellent in older patients.
  • PTCA is a suitable alternative for select elderly patients with CAD.

Conclusions:

  • CABG and PTCA offer significant benefits for older patients with CAD.
  • Focus should shift beyond mere survival to improving quality of life and functional independence.
  • Risk stratification should prioritize comorbidities over chronological age in treatment decisions.

More Related Videos

Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA)13:10

Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA)

Published on: April 24, 2017

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function10:28

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function

Published on: March 15, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
Angina IV: Management01:26

Angina IV: Management

IntroductionThe management of angina requires a comprehensive approach that includes pharmacological therapies, medical procedures, and lifestyle modifications.Pharmacological TherapiesAntiplatelet agents, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor, play a pivotal role in preventing thrombus formation in patients with angina. These medications inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce the likelihood of myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular events.Anticoagulants, including...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:27

Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowed arteries that diminish blood flow to the extremities. Effective management of PAD requires an interprofessional approach involving various healthcare professionals. The critical aspects of interprofessional care for PAD patients focus on risk factor modification, drug therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition therapy, critical limb ischemia care, and interventional radiology and surgical procedures.The primary treatment goal for PAD...