Coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as ischemic heart disease, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. CAD develops because of the build-up of fatty deposits (plaque) on the walls of the coronary arteries (the arteries that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood), leading to a range of problems, including heart attack and angina (chest pain).
Over recent years, there have been improvements in the medications and technologies to treat CAD but these have been primarily tested in younger patients. Previous studies suggested that older patients (75 years and over) are not well represented in clinical research and these patients, in particular those that are frail and those suffering from other conditions, are less likely to receive advanced medications and medical procedures.
This study looked at patients over the age of 75 who had come to hospital after having a heart attack. The aim of this study was to find out whether undergoing a procedure called an angiography (which shows whether there are any blockages in the arteries supplying blood to the heart) as well as the latest medications recommended following a heart attack is a more effective treatment strategy than medication alone in terms of prolonging life.