Thrombolysis for elderly patients with myocardial infarction: experience in an integrated unit

Abstract

The Departments of Medicine and Geriatrics were integrated in the Ogwr Health Unit in 1984. Since then there has been a non-age-related acute admissions policy which has led to early, intensive investigations and appropriate treatment of all patients according to need rather than age. A retrospective analysis of the use of thrombolytic agents over a 12-month period in patients aged 65 or over was undertaken to assess whether our principles extended to care of elderly patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction. High rates of prescription of thrombolytic agents in the elderly were achieved by endorsing the philosophy that age contributes little to the prediction of patient outcome and should not be considered in patient management.