Influence of age on functional recovery after myocardial infarction

Two age-groups of patients, of 45-59 and 65-69 years respectively, were investigated 10 days and 2 months after myocardial infarction. Left ventricular performance at rest was evaluated by radionuclide ventriculography, working capacity by submaximal heart rate-limited stress testing at discharge from the coronary care unit and maximal testing 2 months after the coronary attack. Resting ejection fraction remained unchanged while exercise tolerance increased in both age groups between the first and second examination but remained systematically lower in the elderly. The author conclude that although functional recovery after myocardial infarction is independent of age, physical capacity is lower in older patients during the acute phase as well as after early convalescence; resting ejection fraction remains, however, unchanged.