Fragile hearts: Unveiling the crucial layers of frailty in elderly patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions

Abstract

Wang and Liu's systematic review of frailty among elderly patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) revealed that patients with frailty have significantly higher risks of all-cause and in-hospital death, major undesirable cardiovascular events, and major haemorrhage. Frailty is associated with adverse events, prolonged hospital stays, increased complications, and elevated mortality risk due to diminished physiological reserves. Integrating frailty into risk assessment tools is crucial, and gait speed has emerged as a key predictor of frailty. Recognizing the impact of frailty leads to personalized and informed decision-making, and frailty assessments should be performed. This holistic approach can inform tailored interventions, thereby optimizing outcomes for this vulnerable population undergoing PCI.