[Control of cardiovascular risk in the elderly].

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Cardiovascular Medicine
• Public Health and Epidemiology

Context:

• The global population aged 65 and over is rapidly expanding, particularly in Europe.
• Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, including in Spain.
• Existing research on vascular risk factors (VRF) predominantly focuses on younger demographics, often excluding individuals with multiple comorbidities.

Purpose:

• To highlight the urgent need for targeted strategies addressing cardiovascular health in the aging population.
• To underscore the challenges posed by pluripathologies and multiple VRF in elderly patients.
• To advocate for research and interventions focused on reducing morbidity and mortality in this demographic.

Summary:

• Elderly individuals, especially those with multiple chronic diseases (pluripathologies) and advanced age (mean 78 years), experience significant cardiovascular disease burdens.
• These patients often present with several vascular risk factors (VRF), contributing to high mortality rates.
• Current research inadequately addresses the specific needs of this complex patient group.

Impact:

• Informing public health initiatives and clinical practice guidelines for geriatric cardiovascular care.
• Stimulating further research into effective management of CVD and VRF in older adults with pluripathologies.
• Potentially reducing healthcare burdens associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in aging populations.