New AHA Statement on Managing ACS in Older Adults

Age-related changes in general and cardiovascular health likely require modifications in how acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is diagnosed and managed in adults aged 75 and older, the American Heart Association (AHA) says in a new scientific statement.

The statement outlines a framework to integrate geriatric risks into the management of ACS, including the diagnostic approach, pharmacotherapy, revascularization strategies, prevention of adverse events, and transition care planning.

The 31-page statement was published online December 12 in the AHA journal Circulation. It updates a 2007 AHA statement on treatment of ACS in the elderly.

Complex Patient Group

Adults aged 75 and older make up roughly 30%–40% of all hospitalized patients with ACS and the majority of ACS-related deaths occur in this group, the writing group notes.

"Older patients have more pronounced anatomical changes and more severe functional impairment, and they are more likely to have additional health conditions," writing group chair Abdulla A. Damluji, MD, PhD, director of the Inova Center of Outcomes Research in Fairfax, Virginia, notes in a news release.

"These include frailty, other chronic disorders (treated with multiple medications), physical dysfunction, cognitive decline and/or urinary incontinence — and these are not regularly studied in the context of ACS," Damluji explained.

The writing group notes that the presence of one or more geriatric syndromes may substantially affect ACS clinical presentation, clinical course and prognosis, therapeutic decision-making, and response to treatment.

"It is therefore fundamental that clinicians caring for older patients with ACS be alert to the presence of geriatric syndromes and be able to integrate them into the care plan when appropriate," they say.

They recommend a holistic, individualized, and patient-centered approach to ACS care in the elderly, taking into consideration coexisting and overlapping health issues.

Considerations for Clinical Care

The AHA statement offers several "considerations for clinical practice" with regard to ACS diagnosis and management in elderly adults. They include:

ACS presentations without chest pain, such as shortness of breath, syncope, or sudden confusion, are more common in older adults.
Many older adults have persistent elevations in cardiac troponin levels due to myocardial fibrosis and kidney disease that diminish the positive predictive value of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) assays for identifying acute and chronic myocardial injury. For this reason, evaluating patterns of rise and fall is essential.
Age-related changes in metabolism, weight, and muscle mass may require different choices in anticoagulant medications to lower bleeding risk.
Clopidogrel (Plavix) is the preferred P2Y12 inhibitor due to a significantly lower bleeding profile than ticagrelor (Brilinta) or prasugrel (Effient). For patients with ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) or complex anatomy, the use of ticagrelor is "reasonable."
Poor kidney function can increase the risk for contrast-induced acute kidney injury.
Although the risks are greater, percutaneous coronary intervention or bypass surgery are beneficial in select older adults with ACS.
Post-MI care should include cardiac rehabilitation tailored to address each patient's circumstances and personal goals of care.
For patients with cognitive difficulties and limited mobility, consider simplified medication plans with fewer doses per day and 90-day supplies to prevent the need for frequent refills.
Patient care plans should be individualized, with input from a multidisciplinary team that may include cardiologists, surgeons, geriatricians, primary care clinicians, nutritionists, social workers, and family members.
Determine a priori goals of care in older patients to help avoid an unwanted or futile intervention.

This scientific statement was prepared by the volunteer writing group on behalf of the AHA Cardiovascular Diseases in Older Populations Committee of the Council on Clinical Cardiology; the Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; the Council on Cardiovascular Radiology and Intervention; and the Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health.

Circulation. Published online December 12, 2022. Abstract

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