Ageism in cardiology

The rates of use of potentially life saving and life enhancing investigations and interventions decline as patients get older. Ageism in clinical medicine and health policy reflects the ageism evident in wider society. A wide ranging approach is required to tackle ageism in medicine; clinical guidelines should be improved, more specific monitoring of health care should be introduced, and educational and research initiatives should be developed. Older people could be empowered to influence the choice and standard of health care offered. Legislation may be required to end ageism in society.