15 Jan More Invasive Approach May Improve Cardiac Outcomes in Geriatric Patients
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MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Bjørn Bendz MD PhD
and Nicolai K. Tegn, MD
Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital,
Rikshospitalet Oslo, Norway
Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: According to life expectancy statistics, a person who reaches age 80 can expect to live an average of 8 years (in men) and 9 years (in women).
People over 80 yrs are underrepresented in clinical trials, they are less likely to receive treatment according to guidelines. Our study, which directly targets the over-80 population, is the first to demonstrate that a more invasive strategy results in better outcomes in these patients. We believe our study provides a sufficient basis to recommend an invasive approach.”
Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Response: Patients over age 80 yrs with acute coronary syndromes benefit from more invasive tests and therapies that may otherwise be denied them due to their age.
Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: Further research should address the effect of invasive management on quality-of-life measures, re-hospitalization and healthcare costs. Moreover, we need to address whether invasive management in the very elderly should involve complete or culprit-only revascularisation, use of newer antiplatelet and high-dose statins.
Citation:
The Lancet , Volume 0 , Issue 0 , 12 January 2016
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)01166-6
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Bjørn Bendz MD PhD, & and Nicolai K. Tegn, MD (2016). More Invasive Approach May Improve Cardiac Outcomes in Geriatric Patients
Last Updated on January 15, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD