Acute coronary syndrome in the elderly

Abstract

The fast population ageing and the delay in the age of presentation of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is leading to a rapid increase in the proportion of old patients with ACS. Although elderly patients with ACS deserves a specific clinical approach due to aging physiology, increased incidence of comorbidities and different patient expectations, paradoxically this patient population is usually underrepresented in clinical studies. The up-to-date European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on NSTEACS recommends an invasive strategy after taking the consideration of estimated life expectancy, comorbidities, quality of life and patients preferences. A comprehensive follow-up strategy involving cardiac rehabilitation and medical management should be implemented.