Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Measuring Frailty in HIV-infected Individuals. Identification of Frail Patients is the First Step to Amelioration and Reversal of Frailty
Published on: July 24, 2013
Reverse epidemiology beyond dialysis patients: chronic heart failure, geriatrics, rheumatoid arthritis, COPD, and
Tamara B Horwich1, Gregg C Fonarow
1Ahmanson-UCLA Cardiomyopathy Center, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA. thorwich@mednet.ucla.edu
Abstract:
"Reverse epidemiology" refers to paradoxical and counterintuitive epidemiologic associations between survival outcomes and traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Reverse epidemiology has been well described in end stage renal disease, but also has been observed in chronic disease states, including chronic heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, and in elderly populations. This review will highlight the recent medical literature on reverse epidemiology in these populations. Common pathophysiologic underpinnings in these chronic disease states may help explain the reversal of risk factors observed in these diverse populations. Furthermore, guidelines for the general population for optimal goals of weight, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure may not apply to special populations, including patients with chronic diseases or elderly persons.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients