The elderly are at tremendous risk of death after MI, in no small part because we tend to undertreat them. The 30-day mortality rate after MI in patients < 65 is 3%.
In patients 65-74, the 30-day mortality is 10%.
In patients 75-84, the 30-day mortality is 20%.
In patients > 85, the 30-day mortality is 30%.
Be vigilant and be aggressive with elderly patients. Their early management has a tremendous bearing on their later outcomes.
