Drug Treatment After Acute Myocardial Infarction: Is Treatment the Same for the Elderly as in the Young Patient?
The elderly population in our society experiences higher morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. Risk reduction strategies for this group are based largely on the results of clinical trials in younger patients. The best evidence to date suggests that guidelines based on studies in younger populations can be extended to elderly patients. Yet recent studies indicate many elderly patients do not receive the benefit of these therapies. More comprehensive application of preventive medical therapies after myocardial infarction could have significant benefits for the elderly.
Smith
Sidney C.
SC
Cardiovascular Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.