Type 2 myocardial infarction: is it a geriatric syndrome?

Aging Clin Exp Res. 2020 May;32(5):759-768. doi: 10.1007/s40520-019-01452-8. Epub 2020 Jan 2.

Abstract

Type 2 myocardial infarctions (T2-MI) is a type of necrosis that results from reduced oxygen supply and/or increased demand secondary to other causes unrelated to acute coronary atherothrombosis. The development and implementation of sensitive and high-sensitivity cardiac necrosis marker and the age-related increase of comorbidity lead to a boost of the frequency of T2-MI. T2-MI is often a complication of a high degree of clinical frailty in older adults, emerging as a "geriatric syndrome". Age-related non-cardiovascular causes may be the triggering factors and are strongly associated with the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of T2-MI. To date, there are no guidelines on management of this pathology in advancing age. Patient-centered approach and comprehensive geriatric assessment play a key role in the diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of geriatric patients with T2-MI.

Keywords: Comprehensive geriatric assessment; Geriatric syndrome; Type 2 myocardial infarction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging*
  • Comorbidity
  • Geriatric Assessment
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnosis*
  • Myocardial Infarction / epidemiology
  • Necrosis
  • Prognosis