Determinants of cardiovascular diseases in the elderly

The roles of age, gender, diet, plasma lipoproteins, blood pressure, smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption and psychosocial factors as determinants of cardiovascular diseases have been studied mainly in the middle aged but little in the elderly. The risk factor status of glucose intolerance, body weight, and the physical and chemical environment has been less firmly established. This review examines the published evidence, emphasising the potential of extending the prevention of cardiovascular diseases beyond 60.