[Prevention of coronary heart disease and heart failure in the elderly].
Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for disability, quality of life impairment and mortality in the elderly. Although it is efficient, cardiovascular prevention is underused in old individuals. Coronary heart disease can be prevented by antihypertensive agents in old subjects with hypertension, and by statins and antiplatelet agents in high risk subjects. In addition, betablockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors prevent cardiovascular events in patients with coronary heart disease. Heart failure can also be prevented in the elderly. The treatment of hypertension results in a two-fold decrease in heart failure incidence, even in subjects >80 years. Influenza vaccine reduces the risk of hospital admission for heart failure in old subjects, even in those with no history of cardiac or respiratory diseases. Lifestyle modifications should be encouraged in old individuals, especially smoking cessation, physical activity and mediteranean type diet, because their effects on cardiovascular health seem as positive in the elderly as in younger adults.
Belmin
Joël
J
Service de gériatrie, hôpital Charles-Foix (AP-HP) et université UPMC-Paris 6, Ivry-sur-Seine, France. joel.belmin@cfx.aphp.fr
Chauvelier
Sophie
S
Friocourt
Patrick
P
D000368:Aged; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D012307:Risk Factors
D002317:Cardiovascular Agents