Ischemic heart disease & percutaneous coronary intervention

There is a lack of data surrounding the use of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for stable ischemic heart disease, especially in older patients. This study evaluated the risks of this approach, with 74,516 patients who had undergone PCI for stable ischemic heart disease. It was found that older patients faced a higher risk of morality, re-admissions to the hospital and periprocedural morbidities, in comparison to younger patients undergoing the same procedure. An improved understanding of the different outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention according to the age of the patient will help to improve care and decision-making for those with stable ischemic heart disease.

This review by Park DY et al. aimed to evaluate the different outcomes between older and younger patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for stable ischemic heart disease, to highlight the greater risk that older patients face.

Key learnings:

For an individualised approach to care and management, older patients must be assessed holistically with an understanding of all the risks of percutaneous coronary intervention, as well as the alternatives. This will allow for an optimal patient-centered decision to be formed during the management of stable ischemic heart disease.