Introduction

Since the population worldwide is becoming in-creasingly older and heart disease, at least in much of the world, remains a leading cause of death, it is not surprising that there is growing interest in innovative methods of treatment. Although there has been a rapid growth in experience and technology with percutaneous intervention, little attention has been focused specifical-ly on its use in the elderly. The elderly are generally excluded from clinical trials and, despite becoming an increasing proportion of patients having percutaneous coronary intervention, have to date mostly been studied in small numbers. It is therefore very appropriate that the Journal of Geriatric Cardiology should address a Symposium issue to this subject.