Non-Q-Wave Myocardial Infarction in the Elderly: Clinical Characteristics and Management.
Patients with non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI) have been shown to be distinctly different from patients suffering Q-wave MI with respect to pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, and natural history. The management of the increasing group of geriatric patients with non-Q-wave MI imposes several challenges to the practicing cardiologist. This paper tries to elucidate the specifics of non-Q-wave MI and draw conclusions regarding the current understanding and management of elderly patients with non-Q-wave MI based on available data. However, there are a limited number of studies addressing this topic. Further trials are needed in order to improve the current understanding of the most reasonable approach to the growing number of geriatric patients presenting with non-Q-wave MI.
Krikorian
Raffi K.
RK
Mid-America Heart Institute, Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, Kansas City, MO.
Vacek
James J.
JJ