Underutilization of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in older patients with Q-wave anterior myocardial infarction in an academic hospital-based geriatrics practice

Article Abstract:

Many older patients with a history of heart attack and evidence of heart failure are not receiving ACE inhibitors. In a study of 161 men and women 65 years or older who had had a heart attack and had no contraindications to ACE inhibitors, only 35% were taking an ACE inhibitor. Of those with documented heart failure, about two-thirds were taking an ACE inhibitor. But among the 15 with asymptomatic heart failure, only four were taking an ACE inhibitor.

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Drug treatment of hypertension in older people in an academic hospital-based geriatrics practice

Article Abstract:

Changing the type of antihypertensive drug in a geriatrics practice can actively reduce high blood pressure. Medication adjustments in 1,051 older patients involved more frequent use of diuretics and beta-blockers but fewer use of calcium channel blockers. Four percent of the hypertensives received no relevant drug therapy. Seventy percent of all patients achieved blood pressure readings below 140/90 mm Hg.

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Underutilization of cardiac medication in the Pacemaker Selection in the Elderly study

Article Abstract:

The dangers of inadequate dosing and prescribing of cardiac medications in older patients are often overlooked. Some research has shown that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, aspirin, beta-blockers, and warfarin are not prescribed correctly in older heart patients. Medical publications and research should educate physicians about the need to medicate properly.

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