Age-related underutilization of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in older hospitalized heart failure patients

BACKGROUND: The extent to which age plays a role in the underutilization of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in heart failure patients has not been well studied. METHODS: We studied age-related variation in the use of ACE inhibitors in older Medicare beneficiaries discharged alive in Alabama with a diagnosis of heart failure with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. RESULTS: A total of 285 patients had a mean age +/- SD of 78 +/- 6.9 years; 59% were female and 21% were African American. Of the 285 patients, 181 (63%) were prescribed ACE inhibitors at discharge. Therapy with ACE inhibitors was initiated in 47% of the patients. Compared with patients 65 to 74 years, those 85 years and older had lower odds of receiving ACE inhibitors at discharge. Among patients not admitted on an ACE inhibitor, those 85 years and older also had lower odds of ACE inhibitor therapy being initiated. CONCLUSION: The overall rate of ACE inhibitor use was low, and age of 85 years and older was independently associated with lower use and initiation of ACE inhibitors. Opportunities remain to increase the use of ACE inhibitors in older patients with heart failure.