Early outcome and Restenosis rate after Coronary Artery Stenting in the Elderly

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: With the prolonged life expectancy and changes in dietary habits in Korea, the number and percentage of elderly patients with ischemic heart disease(IHD) has been increased. Primary success rate and long-term clinical outcomes of elderly patients were compared with younger patients, who underwent coronary artery stent(CAS). MATERIALS AND METHOD: A retrospective analysis of 379 patients, who underwent CAS at Chonnam National University Hospital from January 1993 to June 1998, was performed. Clinical characteristics, lipid profiles, coronary angiographic findings, success rates and in-hospital mortality rates and follow-up coronary angiographic findings of elderly patients older than 70 years (Group I; n=1, 73+/-4 years) were compared with the patients under the age of 70 years (Group II; n=88, 56+/-11 years). RESULTS: Female was more prevalent in Group I than Group II (41/91, 45.1% vs. 57/288, 19.9%, P < 0.001). Ejection fraction was lower in Group I than in Group II (56.9+/-6.4 vs. 63.8+/-15.3 %, P < 0.05) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was higher in Group I (17.9+/-7.9 vs. 14.0+/-7.7 mmHg, respectively P < 0.05) than in Group II. There were no significant differences in the distribution of the risk factor except for smoking (Group I; 26/91, 28.6% vs Group II; 130/288, 45.3%, P < 0.05). Lesion and procedural characteristics were not different between two groups. Primary success rate of Group I was 94.5%(86/91) and 96.5%(278/288), which were not different between two groups. On follow-up coronary angiogram, restenosis rate was not different between two groups (Group I 9/37, 24.37% vs. Group II 50/154, 32.5%, P=S). CONCLUSION: The initial success rate and restenosis rate of coronary stenting in the elderly patients are not different from those of younger group. Thus coronary stent can be performed effectively in elderly patients.