[Coronary angioplasty in patients over 70. An analysis of 115 dilatations].
OBJECTIVE
To verify the validity of transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in the population over 70 years old.


METHODS
Retrospectively, were analysed 115 PTCA performed in 89 elderly patients (70 to 85 years old) from January 1988 to January 1991. Three groups were defined: A) single vessel-77 (86.5%) patients; B) double vessel-9 (10.1%) patients; C) three vessel-3 (3.4%) patients.


RESULTS
Of the 89 treated patients, 81.8% in group A, 72.2% in group B and 75% in group C were successfully dilated. The learning curve had showed increase in success rate after the first 250 angioplasties (from 60.6% to 82.5%). Treatment of acute myocardial infarction by direct thrombolysis was made in 7 patients (6 S, 1 I). Major complications included: deaths (4.4%), ventricular fibrillation (1.08%), acute coronary occlusion (6.6%). Emergency coronary artery bypass grafting was required in 4.4% with one death.


CONCLUSIONS
Coronary angioplasty is an effective treatment in elderly patients and may be performed with acceptable success and with low complications.
Ayres Neto
E de M
Ede M
Instituto do Coração, Santa Casa de RP, SP.
dos Santos
J L
JL
Greguolo
C
C
Netto
L A
LA
Muniz
L E
LE
Castilho
O T
OT
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D012008:Recurrence; D012074:Remission Induction
Angioplastia coronária em pacientes acima de 70 anos. Análise de 115 dilatações.