Therapy for acute myocardial infarction

Older patients with acute myocardial infarction are at increased risk for a variety of complications, including congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, myocardial rupture, cardiogenic shock, and death. This article summarizes current approaches to the early management of acute myocardial infarction in the elderly and discusses the role of thrombolytic therapy, angioplasty, aspirin, beta-blockers, and other pharmacologic agents in these patients. Additional topics of particular relevance to the elderly, including risk stratification, ethical concerns, and individualization of treatment, are also reviewed.