UK: Frailty affects patients differently across age groups after an acute myocardial infarction. A new study revealed that although frailty is linked to poorer outcomes at all ages, individuals younger than 55 experience the most pronounced adverse effects after acute MI.
A large population-based study published in the European Heart Journal by Hasan Mohiaddin and colleagues from the University of Leicester examined the impact of frailty on outcomes following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) across different age groups. Using linked national administrative data from England and Wales, the research team analyzed outcomes in 931,133 patients stratified into three age categories: younger than 55 years, 55–74 years, and 75 years or older.
Frailty was assessed using the Secondary Care Administrative Records Frailty (SCARF) index, classifying patients as fit, mildly frail, moderately frail, or severely frail. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at one year, while secondary outcomes included cardiovascular and bleeding-related events.
The key findings of the study were as follows:
- Frailty is a key predictor of adverse outcomes across all age groups.
- The impact of frailty is strongest in younger patients.
- Severely frail patients under 55 had a one-year all-cause mortality adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 6.69.
- Severely frail middle-aged patients had a one-year all-cause mortality HR of 4.33.
- Severely frail older patients had a one-year all-cause mortality HR of 2.31.
- Young patients with severe frailty had a 3.51-fold higher risk of mortality compared with older patients with severe frailty.
- The findings highlight the disproportionate burden of severe frailty on younger adults.
These results highlight that while frailty is commonly considered a concern for older adults, its presence in younger AMI patients carries significant prognostic implications. Frail younger patients were at markedly higher risk of death and adverse events, suggesting that age alone may underestimate vulnerability in this population. The study highlights the importance of incorporating frailty assessment into routine clinical evaluation for AMI patients, regardless of age.
The research also emphasizes the need for tailored management strategies for younger adults with frailty. Optimized care plans, including targeted interventions and close monitoring, may mitigate the elevated risks observed in this group. Additionally, the findings call for the development of age-appropriate frailty assessment tools and therapeutic approaches designed to improve outcomes for younger AMI patients who exhibit severe frailty.
Overall, the study provides compelling evidence that frailty is a powerful determinant of long-term outcomes after acute myocardial infarction, particularly in patients under 55 years of age.
“By integrating frailty evaluation into clinical practice and prioritizing interventions for the most vulnerable, healthcare providers can enhance risk stratification, guide treatment decisions, and potentially improve survival rates across all age groups,” the authors concluded.
Reference:
Mohiaddin, H., Sze, S., Damluji, A. A., Ladwiniec, A., McCann, G. P., Murphy, G. J., James, S., Gale, C. P., Squire, I., Khan, M. S., Butler, J., Mamas, M. A., & Rashid, M. Frailty and long-term outcomes in younger patients with acute myocardial infarction. European Heart Journal. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf876
