Systematic review of health-related quality of life in older people following percutaneous coronary intervention

People aged over 60 years represent an increasingly high proportion of the population undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. While risks are greater for older people in terms of major adverse cardiovascular events and higher mortality for this treatment, it is unclear if the benefits of health-related quality of life outcomes may outweigh risks. A search of the PubMed, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Excerpta Medica, and Cochrane databases was conducted for the period from January 1999 to June 2012 using key words "percutaneous coronary intervention"/"angioplasty," "older," "elderly," and "quality of life"/"health-related quality of life." Using a systematic review approach, data from 18 studies were extracted for description and synthesis. Findings revealed that everyone regardless of age reported better health-related quality of life, primarily from the relief of angina and improved physical and mental function. Age itself did not have an independent predictive effect when other factors such as comorbid conditions were taken into account. Assessment of older peoples' health status following percutaneous coronary intervention by nurses and other health professionals is therefore important for the provision of quality care.