Antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy in elderly patients
Capodanno, D.; Angiolillo, D.J.; Tamburino, C.
Giornale Italiano di Cardiologia 12(3): 186-197
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 1827-6806 PMID: 21560475 Document Number: 650297
Managing antithrombotic therapy in elderly patients presents significant practical problems due to the lack of specifically designed studies, practical recommendations from guidelines, and the difficulty of identifying the right balance between benefits in reducing ischemic events and increased risk of bleeding complications. In addition, in elderly subjects, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents often have a quite peculiar connotation. This article reviews the evidence supporting the use of antithrombotic drugs in elderly patients with ischemic heart disease.