Cardiovascular Disease in Elderly Patients

To provide an overview of the cardiovascular consequences of the normal aging process in humans and to review unique aspects of the diagnosis and management of heart disease in the elderly population. We reviewed relevant published articles and summarized the diagnostic approaches and treat ment recommendations for congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiac valvular disease, and arrhythmias in elderly patients. The aging process is associated with predictable anatomic and physiologic alterations in the cardiovascular system. Consequently, the manifestations of heart disease in the geriatric population differ from those found in younger patients. Additionally, outcomes of cardiac diseases and therapeutic options change with advancing age because of such factors as alterations in drug metabolism. Age-related changes in the cardiovascular system result from intrinsic cardiac aspects of human senescence, primary cardiac disease, and influence of comorbid conditions on the heart. The natural history of heart disease is generally adversely affected by age. Although many treatment strategies with demonstrated efficacy in younger patients are relevant in the elderly age-group, careful attention to the influence of concomitant illness, the unique physiologic and pharmacologic changes, and the assessment of the potential effect of therapy on survival and quality of life is essential in treating elderly patients.