[Psychosocial problems of elderly patients with cardiovascular diseases]

Based on a survey of different age theories, the complex character of the aging process is demonstrated in the experience of the individual as well as in its social connections (DORNER, 1988). On this basis the peculiarities of experiencing the disease and of mastering the disease by older patients with coronary heart disease are shown, taking various test results into account. Depending on experiencing the disease, but also depending on learned forms of mastering stress situations, different mastering mechanisms could be found with patients with angiocardiopathies which may be of decisive importance to the further rehabilitative success. Recommendations for the behaviour of the physician towards the old-aged patient with coronary heart disease are concluded.