[The state of the circulatory system in the elderly]

Fifty six persons (15 men and 41 women) aged between 90 and 99 years were examined to assess their health determining longevity. Circulatory system was evaluated with the aid of anamnesis, physical examination, chest X-ray and ECG. Clinical symptoms of the circulatory disease were diagnosed in 55.4% of tested persons, including: ischaemic heart disease in 42.9%, arterial hypertension in 35.7%, and circulatory failure in 23.2%. Normal ECG records were noted in 10.7% of the tested elderly persons. The most frequent electrographic abnormalities included: decrease in ST, LAH and atrio-ventricular block of the I degree. Incidence of ECG abnormalities did not depend upon the clinical state. An advanced age (over 90 years) is achieved also by the persons with marked circulatory disorders.