Managing angina in the elderly: the impact of comorbidities

Older patients with angina represent a patient group with many clinical challenges. Coronary artery disease is particularly common in older patients and the mortality associated with cardiovascular disease is high. Furthermore, diagnosis can be difficult and comorbidities are common. Unfortunately, evidence from clinical trials based on this group of patients is limited and current treatment guidelines do not fully address the needs of elderly patients. Several recent clinical trials have highlighted some of the main considerations one should make when treating comorbidities in elderly patients with coronary artery disease. Different treatment options in the pharmacological management of angina in this age group with comorbidities are also discussed in this review.