title: Myocardial infarction. Considerations for geriatric patients.
abstract: Myocardial infarction is common among the elderly. Presentation is often atypical, and symptoms include confusion, weakness, chest pain, dyspnea, and vomiting. Serial electrocardiograms and cardiac enzyme determination lead to diagnosis. Postmyocardial treatments include acetylsalicylic acid, beta-blockers, nitrates, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Thrombolytic agents are safe and useful. Angioplasty and cardiac surgery should be considered for certain patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Victoria General Hospital, Halifax.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sinclair
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002637:Chest Pain / Q000209:etiology; D003221:Confusion / Q000209:etiology; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000097:blood; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005853:Geriatrics; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes; D008297:Male; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014839:Vomiting / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D007527:Isoenzymes; D003402:Creatine Kinase; D005996:Nitroglycerin; D001241:Aspirin