OPTIMAL TREATMENT OF ANGINA IN OLDER PATIENTS

Ischaemic heart disease is a major problem in the elderly. Compared wi th younger patients, coexisting medical conditions are more common and the patients are more likely to be receiving multiple drugs. In addit ion, drug pharmacodynamics are altered in the elderly and this needs t o be carefully considered when commencing treatment for angina. In pra ctice, the general principles of management of elderly patients with a ngina are similar to that of younger patients. However, particular car e needs to be taken with the therapeutic regimens used. This article r eviews the approach to the treatment of stable exertional angina in th e elderly.