Congestive heart failure and the elderly

Abstract

As patients age, congestive heart failure becomes an increasingly important problem and accounts for up to 20% of hospital admissions for patients over 65 years. With technological improvements in the treatment of coronary artery disease, improved survival after myocardial infarction, and better hypertension therapy, patients are living longer, thus the need for successful management of older patients with chronic heart failure. The elderly, especially minorities, tend to be under-represented in congestive heart failure trials. This article will focus on the care of the geriatric patient with congestive heart failure.