Frailty in Myocardial Infarction Patients: A Paradigm Shift

Abstract

An insightful review of evidence-based literature unveils a drastically increasing incidence of myocardial infarction (MI). As the global population becomes older, the frequency of adverse coronary events escalates proportionally. The modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that contribute toward the development of MI have been enumerated, and the aftereffects which may follow are known to be even more detrimental. Nevertheless, it is imperative to acknowledge that the management of MI patients does not only surround their cardiovascular health but is governed by many other seemingly superfluous concerns – some of which fall under the umbrella of frailty. A coalesce of frailty identification and appreciation of its subsequent role in prognostication and management is revolutionary. This further proves the need for considerable collaboration between geriatricians that meticulously deliberate the quintessential all-round care of the elderly as well as the cardiologists whose aim is to optimize cardiac function, survival and quality of life. Thus, the purpose of this mini-review is to ponder upon and adopt a validated assessment tool for the purposes of diagnosing frailty and prognostication amongst MI. This will allow for purposeful formulation of individualized management plans that could reduce the rates of mounting morbidities and all-cause mortality.