[Cardiogenic pulmonary edema in the elderly]

Heart failure of elderly patients is a frequent disease. It is responsible for recurrent hospitalizations and an important mortality rate. The diagnosis of cardiogenic pulmonary edema may be difficult in elderly patients. In more than 50% of cases, echocardiography shows evidence of diastolic heart failure. Medical treatment mainly relies on high doses nitrates. Non invasive ventilation decreases cardiogenic pulmonary edema morbidity and early mortality.