FREQUENCY OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES AND DRUG USE IN TURKISH ELDERLY POPULATION FOLLOWED UP AT CARDIOLOGY CLINICS: THE ELDERTURK STUDY

Introduction: In Turkey, there is a lack of data on the frequency of cardiovascular diseases, risk factors, co-morbid diseases, and drug usage among the elderly population. We aimed to compile a data of frequency of cardiovascular diseases, cardiovascular risk factors, concomitant diseases, and drug usage among elderly patients visiting cardiology clinics in Turkey. Materials and Method: This non-interventional, multicenter study evaluated 5694 patients aged 65 years or older and who were followed up at cardiology clinics. Cardiovascular diseases, risk factors, co-morbidities, and medication use were surveyed. Results: Mean age of patients was 73.5 similar to 6.3 years (males: 49.8%). The frequency rates were 73% for hypertension, 28.8% for diabetes mellitus, 35% for hyperlipidemia, 50% for previous myocardial infarction, 27.3% for atrial fibrillation, and 11.5% for chronic renal failure. The body mass index of participants was 27.7 +/- 4.4 kg/m2, systolic blood pressure was 130 +/- 18 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure was 77.1 +/- 11 mmHg, and resting heart rate was 6 +/- 14 bpm, 66.3% of the study population used beta blockers, 71.7% angiotensin system inhibitors, 59.6% diuretics, 7.9% digoxin, 30.5% calcium channel blockers, 34% lipid-lowering agents, 71.5% acetylsalicylic acid, and 25.9% oral anticoagulants. The most common non-cardiovascular medications were vitamins (12.3%) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (11.2%). Conclusion: Valuable data of Turkey's elderly population at cardiology clinics, pertaining to cardiovascular and co-morbid diseases was collected. The identification of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases as well as concomitant diseases, and medication use in elderly patients may lead to interventions that could improve the health of elderly in the general population.