Myocardial infarction and older people.

This article aims to examine acute coronary syndromes in older people. It will focus specifically on acute myocardial infarction, its causes and how it presents in the older person. Evidence-based management will be outlined and the importance of secondary prevention and rehabilitation for older people will be discussed. After reading this article you should be able to: ■ define what is meant by acute coronary syndromes, in particular myocardial infarction ■ outline the main risk factors for myocardial infarction and the presenting symptoms in older people ■ outline contemporary management for patients who have had a myocardial infarction ■ discuss the role of the nurse in relation to recognising the symptoms of myocardial infarction, secondary prevention and rehabilitation in older people.