title: Drug therapy for cardiovascular disease in the aged.
abstract: Cardiovascular diseases and their treatment in the aged are discussed under the headings of ischemic heart disease, hypertension, cardiac failure (with special reference to the use of diuretics and digoxin), infective carditis and thyroid disorders. Advanced age modifies the approach to treatment; the choice of drugs and the dosage must be adjusted accordingly. Possible drug interactions should also be considered. A rehabilitation program is of great benefit for many elderly cardiac patients. It should be planned individually and involve psychologic and environmental factors as well as medical therapy. After successful treatment of the acute episode, even the aged patient can undertake rewarding activities in his remaining lifetime.
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000188:drug therapy; D001581:Benzothiadiazines; D000072038:Cardiac Rehabilitation; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004077:Digoxin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004696:Endocarditis / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D006974:Hypertension, Malignant / Q000188:drug therapy; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000188:drug therapy; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000188:drug therapy; D007548:Isosorbide Dinitrate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008750:Methyldopa / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D049993:Sodium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001581:Benzothiadiazines; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004232:Diuretics; D049993:Sodium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors; D008750:Methyldopa; D004077:Digoxin; D005996:Nitroglycerin; D007548:Isosorbide Dinitrate