[Influence of aging on coronary arterial morphology, exercise tolerance and daily physical activity in the chronic stage of myocardial infarction].

Coronary angiographic (CAG) findings, exercise tolerance and daily physical activity were studied with reference to aging in 314 cases of the chronic myocardial infarction and in 199 cases of angina pectoris. Exercise tolerance was evaluated by a symptom-limited treadmill test and the daily physical activity by the functional classification of the New York Heart Association (NYHA) based on questionnaires filled out by the patients. Although the single to multivessel disease ratio decreased with age, there was no significant trend in diffuse or segmental character of stenosis with age. In addition, more than 80% of patients showed good exercise tolerance of more than stage II in Bruce's protocol. However, there was a general trend towards decrease in exercise tolerance with age. Furthermore approximately 80% of patients showed a good daily activity. However, the NYHA (I + II) to NYHA (III + IV + cardiac death) ratio was lower in patients aged 60 or more compared to those under age 60. Patients aged 60 or more with single vessel disease had lower daily physical activity compared to the under 60 age group, although this did not seem to be related to any physical limitation. Therefore, social and occupational aspects as well as the clinical severity of ischemic heart disease should be considered in the treatment of elderly cases.