Epidemiology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Epidemiology, including details on twin studies, statistics, environmental and genetic factors.

Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and prognosis of heart failure in the elderly.

Thomas S, Rich MW

Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.

Heart failure (HF) represents the quintessential disorder of cardiovascular aging, reflecting the convergence of age-related changes in the cardiovascular system and other organ systems and the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases at older age. The prevalence and incidence of HF increase progressively with advancing age, and HF imposes an enormous burden on society in mortality, morbidity, and associated health care costs. Despite major advances in treatment of HF over the last 25 years, the prognosis remains poor, with median survival rates of less than 5 years in older adults. As the population ages, it is anticipated that the number of older people with HF will increase dramatically over the next several decades.

Published 1 October 2007 in Heart Fail Clin, 3(4): 381-7.
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