Anti-thrombotic strategies in elderly patients receiving platelet inhibitors

Acetyl-salicylic acid is the basic anti-thrombotic therapy used for single anti-platelet therapy in primary as well as secondary prevention of atherosclerotic disease. Dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT) is the cornerstone of maintenance medication following elective percutaneous coronary intervention or acute coronary syndromes (ST elevation myocardial infarction, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, unstable angina). DAPT duration has been frequently discussed. Currently, guideline recommendations strengthen the importance of individualized treatment to reduce bleeding risk based on clinical predictors, of which older age is an important one. Patients aged >= 75 years are often underrepresented in randomized clinical trials, but present a patient cohort deemed both at heightened ischaemic as well as bleeding risk. We aimed to summarize the evidence or the lack of evidence for anti-platelet treatment strategies in patients aged >= 75 years including combinations with anticoagulants in secondary prevention or coronary interventions in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation. This review article represents the author's interpretation of available data and is not discussed by a formal task force; it is intended to point out missing evidence and to provide age-specific data for individualized decision making, which is currently encouraged by the guidelines.