Objective Overall, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can improve the symptoms and quality of life (QoL) of patients with coronary artery disease. Older patients account for an increasing number and proportion of PCIs, however they are more prone to adverse events. This study systematically reviews the QoL benefits in this sub-group.

Design and setting A systematic review was undertaken, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, using Medline, Embase and Science Direct databases. The search was limited to studies available in English; last run on 31 December 2012.

Patients Patients aged ≥80 years.

Intervention PCI.

Main outcome measure QoL.

Results The process identified 11 articles which reported QoL outcomes in octogenarians following PCI. In total, there were 700 octogenarian patients identified within the 11 studies with a mean age of 82.9 years. Studies were heterogeneity in the populations, methodology and QoL tools utilised. Overall, the literature suggests that QoL for octogenarians improves following PCI. Older patients improve at least as much as younger patients and may gain more in the areas of physical functioning and improved angina status. The benefits are greatest in the first 6 months and may continue until at least 3 years.

Conclusions QoL following PCI in octogenarians improves at least as much as in younger patients. Given the small number of studies resulting in a total of 700 octogenarian patients, further studies would be useful in determining those octogenarian patients who are likely to derive the greatest benefit.