Heart Failure in the Elderly

Abstract

Heart failure is a leading medical problem in westernized societies, affecting mainly older adults. This is a result of a “normal” aging procedure of the myocardium in combination with the high prevalence of risk factors including hypertension, coronary artery disease, and diabetes in the elderly. Diastolic dysfunction is the hallmark of the aging myocardium and heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction is the dominant phenotype. The distinct clinical profile of these patients is discussed and practical clinical diagnostic recommendations are provided. Also the advanced therapeutic options and their limitations in the elderly are presented. Finally, the limitations of our global prospective and current areas of uncertainty regarding evidence-based treatments for this frail group are reviewed.