Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in octogenarians
Article Abstract:
As the elderly become a larger portion of the American population, their medical problems will constitute a larger portion of medical practice. Octogenarians are estimated to constitute 3 percent of the American population in 1990, for a total of about 7.4 million people. Coronary artery disease is a major health problem in this group, yet octogenarians are more sensitive to the side effects of medical treatment and are more susceptible to the stress of coronary artery surgery. Previous studies have indicated that transluminal angioplasty, in which narrowed arteries are opened by the inflation of balloons, is safe and effective both in younger patients and those over 65. To determine the safety of the procedure when performed on very old patients, 54 octogenarians with an average age of 82.4 underwent coronary angioplasty. For 91 percent of the patients, angina was the major symptom. The procedure was a success in 50 of the 54 patients, and 49 of the 54 patients experienced clinical improvement. Two patients died in the hospital and seven died during the follow-up period. The clinical improvements were found to be sustained in most patients over an average follow-up of three years; 42 of 45 survivors were free from angina or had class II angina. These results indicate that coronary angioplasty is safe and effective, even in patients in their 80s, and the procedure represents an important therapeutic option. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1990
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Use of Cardiovascular Procedures among Black Persons and White Persons: A 7-Year Nationwide Study in Patients with Renal Disease
Article Abstract:
Comprehensive health insurance may reduce ethnic disparities in the use of invasive cardiovascular procedures. Researchers evaluated health care services used by 4,987 patients ultimately diagnosed with kidney disease. Prior to diagnosis, 10% of white patients and 3% of black patients had undergone coronary artery catheterization, angioplasty, or heart surgery. Patients covered by Medicare, or hospitalized for heart attack or disease, were equally likely to have invasive cardiac care, regardless of ethnicity. Following the diagnosis of kidney disease, 8% of black patients and 9% of white patients had cardiac care. A serious diagnosis, and access to insurance coverage for care, substantially improved care for black patients.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1999
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Overuse of coronary artery bypass graft surgery and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
Article Abstract:
Many white patients with coronary artery disease may receive angioplasty even though they won't benefit from it, according to a study of 3,960 patients. This overuse of angioplasty could explain why white patients are more likely to receive angioplasty than African-American patients.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 2001
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