Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
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The in-hospital mortality associated with acute myocardial infarction rises markedly with advancing age. It is not established whether the elderly may benefit from early surgical repair of postinfarction cardiogenic shock due to ventricular septal defect (VSD), acute severe mitral regurgitation (MR), or left ventricular power failure. Eighteen consecutive patients between the ages of 66 and 79 (mean, 72 years) and in cardiogenic shock underwent surgical repair, most with counterpulsation support, within one week of developing VSD, MR, or left ventricular power failure. ⋯ These patients have all been able to live and function independently after cardiac operation. The authors conclude that older patients with postinfarction cardiogenic shock may benefit from early operation and that advanced age does not preclude successful surgical outcome. Furthermore, operation may result in excellent long-term quality of life.