Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in older Americans. The study in JAMA of 80,356 heart-attack patients over 65 years of age found that 59,673 individuals did not receive either clot reducing drugs or angioplasty within six hours of arrival at the hospital. Those that received angioplasty had a 19 percent higher survival rate after one year compared to those that received clot-dissolving drugs.
Heart attacks occur when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, often by a blood clot.
Blood vessel problems develop over time and usually involve a buildup of cells, fat and cholesterol, commonly called plaque, leading to stroke or heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack include, but are not limited to, uncomfortable heavy feeling, pressure, pain or squeezing in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes. At the same time, hospitals must be prepared to take the steps to increase the chances of survival following heart attacks. There is no question that angioplasty and drugs that dissolve clots have their risk factors especially in the elderly. Doctors should proceed cautiously, but when evidentiary medicine strongly suggests robust ways of saving lives, the medical profession needs to mobilize itself into action.