ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN THE AGED: PROGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT*

Abstract

A bstract A study was made of 196 patients (120 men and 76 women) with acute myocardial infarction. The mean age was 65 years, with a range of 31 to 104 years. Of the 196 patients, 69 (35.2 per cent) died. The mortality rate increased particularly after age 70, for each sex. The incidences of associated heart failure and shock also increased with age. The data indicate that: 1) the elderly patient with acute myocardial infarction is a poor risk, 2) statistics on the mortality rate should include the age of the patient, and 3) advanced age, congestive heart failure, shock, and cardiac arrhythmias are prime factors in the prognosis. The requirements for reducing the mortality rate include early and accurate diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, and more intensive treatment before the onset of irreversible changes. The way in which the symptoms of acute myocardial infarction differ in the aged are outlined, as are the principles of treatment and specific recommendations.