Congestive heart failure in elderly patients. The treatment goal is improved quality, not quantity, of life.
Primary care physicians who see elderly patients are likely to see cases of congestive heart failure, since this condition is typically the result of long-standing hypertension or coronary artery disease. Recognizing the condition in elderly patients may not be easy, though, because clinical signs can be distorted by accompanying symptoms. In this article, the authors discuss pathophysiologic, diagnostic, and pharmacokinetic issues. They also describe therapy with diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and digoxin and outline special considerations in the elderly.
Buchanan
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Department of geriatrics and extended care, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA. buchanan.ann@amarillo.va.gov
Tan
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D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006321:Heart / Q000503:physiopathology; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D004232:Diuretics