Risk Factors and Cardiovascular Disease in the Elderly

Age is associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease, which constitutes the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly population. In this text we thoroughly review current evidence regarding the impact on cardiovascular disease of the most important cardiovascular risk factors, especially prevalent and common in the elderly population. Diagnosis and treatment approaches arc also addressed, also highlighting the importance of adequate primary and secondary prevention and management. Also, the relationship between cardiovascular disease and some comorbidities and geriatric conditions, such as frailty, particularly common in the elderly, is reviewed, together with some other issues, less often addressed but closely related to ageing, such as genetics, structural and electrical heart changes and oxidative stress. All such questions are of great importance in the comprehensive approach of risk factors and cardiovascular disease in the elderly.

Automated summary

Age is associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors and disease, which leads to high morbidity and mortality in the elderly population. This comprehensive review examines the impact of important cardiovascular risk factors on cardiovascular disease in the elderly, highlighting the importance of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. It also explores the relationship between cardiovascular disease and comorbidities and geriatric conditions, such as frailty, and addresses other aging-related issues like genetics, heart changes, and oxidative stress.