Abstract

MENDEZ-FLOREZ, Jainer et al. Use of implantable defibrillators and cardiac resynchronisation therapy in patients more than 70 to 80 years old: arguments and evidence. Rev. Colomb. Cardiol. [online]. 2019, vol.26, n.4, pp.211-217. ISSN 0120-5633.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rccar.2019.02.006.

The prevention of sudden death, to increase the survival, and quality of life in patients with heart failure, are the main indications for the use of implantable defibrillators and cardiac resynchronisation therapy, respectively. There is confidence in the clinical efficacy of these devices for the general population, but it is not so clear in patients over 70 years-old, given that this population is not sufficiently represented in clinical study designs.

Although the evidence available up until now shows that there is a benefit in this age group for the use cardiac resynchronisation therapy, the use of cardiac defibrillators is questionable. It is also indispensable to not only to take into account the mortality risk in these patients, but also their functionality and frailty in order to determine whether or not they would benefit from these devices.

Keywords : Cardiac sudden death; Cardiac resynchronisation therapy; Implantable defibrillators; Septuagenarians.

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