Individualizing Care for a Vulnerable Population: A Look at the AHA Scientific Statement on Older Adults in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

As the US population ages, approximately one-fourth will be older than age 65 in 2060.1 With these changing demographics, elderly patients increasingly are presenting for medical and surgical interventions. Cardiac interventions have become more frequent, as approximately 85% of people older than 80 have cardiovascular disease.2 Addressing factors that can affect intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, in addition to long-term functional outcome, may decrease long-term morbidity and improve quality of life in these patients.
Source: Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research