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Antiplatelet Therapy for Elderly Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Vincenzo Fioretti1,2, Luca Sperandeo2, Donato Gerardi1
1Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Regionale "San Carlo", 85100 Potenza, Italy.
Insights
Elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) benefit from percutaneous coronary revascularization, but antiplatelet therapy is complex due to high risks of ischemia and bleeding. This review examines evidence for antiplatelet strategies in older ACS patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Elderly patients are a growing demographic for acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
- Percutaneous coronary revascularization benefits are established in older ACS patients.
- Antiplatelet therapy management in the elderly is challenging due to dual risks of ischemia and bleeding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review factors influencing ischemic and bleeding risks in elderly ACS patients.
- To summarize evidence for antiplatelet strategies in this population undergoing percutaneous coronary revascularization.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on elderly patients with ACS.
- Analysis of risk factors for ischemia and bleeding.
- Evaluation of current and novel antiplatelet therapies.
Main Results:
- Existing risk scores may not accurately reflect older patients' profiles.
- Elderly patients often have limited representation in clinical trials for new antiplatelet agents.
- Evidence for optimal antiplatelet strategies in this complex group is still evolving.
Conclusions:
- Careful consideration of individual risk factors is crucial for managing antiplatelet therapy in elderly ACS patients.
- Further research is needed to establish evidence-based antiplatelet guidelines for older adults undergoing percutaneous coronary revascularization.
Abstract:
The elderly represent an increasing proportion of patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Various data have shown that the benefits of percutaneous coronary revascularization are maintained in elderly patients presenting with ACS. Conversely, the management of antiplatelet therapy remains challenging and controversial, because older patients are usually at a high risk of both ischemia and bleeding. Moreover, the recommended ischemic and bleeding risk scores in patients with ACS were developed from studies with a low representation of older patients. New antiplatelet strategies have been developed, but their evidence in elderly patients is limited because they are usually underrepresented in randomized clinical trials due to their clinical complexity. The aim of this review is to summarize the different factors associated with increased ischemic and/or bleeding risk and the scientific evidence about the different antiplatelet strategies in elderly patients presenting with ACS and undergoing percutaneous coronary revascularization.
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