We all want to think that our doctor is beyond the usual prejudices which accompany the rest of us, and that he or she makes health decisions regarding our care based on practice guidelines. So, it may come as a shock to some individuals with the recently released findings about British physicians. The physicians were cardiologists, general practitioners and gerontologists, whose responses did not differ based on their specialty.
Simulated cardiovascular cases were presented. Below summarizes the findings of the treatment plans of middle aged patients versus those over 65 years of age.
• Two thirds as likely to be referred to a cardiologist.
• Two thirds as likely to be given revascularization.
• Two thirds as likely to get an cardiac cath or an exercise tolerance test.
• 12% less likely to be prescribed medication for high cholesterol or bad lipids.
• 25% less likely to have a cholesterol test.
Before one becomes too pessimistic about the state of the art in regard to geriatric patients, the article did end on an optimistic note. “Quality of life is quality of life," said one doctor. "If you are in your 80s and your chest pain stops you going to the post office then it is just as disabling in terms of what your life is all about as in a young person's case."
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