Cardiovascular Events in US Adults Aged ≥80 Years: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) poses a significant health risk, particularly for older adults.
• Understanding CVD risk factors and post-event mortality is crucial for developing effective prevention and management strategies in aging populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the 5-year cumulative incidence of CVD events across different age groups (<70, 70-<80, and ≥80 years).
• To identify specific risk factors associated with CVD events in these age strata.
• To determine the 1-year mortality risk following a CVD event in adults aged ≥80 years.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study (REGARDS) with participants across the contiguous United States.
• Data collection from 2013-2016, including CVD risk factors via interviews and in-home visits.
• Adjudication of CVD events (myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease death, stroke, heart failure) and follow-up for mortality.

Main Results:

• 5-year CVD incidence was 5.3% (<70), 10.7% (70-79), and 17.2% (≥80 years).
• Diabetes and hypertension were significant risk factors for CVD in adults <80 years.
• In adults ≥80 years, risk factors included elevated LDL-C, hsCRP, albuminuria, and prior CVD history. Mortality post-CVD was 53.1% in this group.

Conclusions:

• The risk of CVD events is notably high in adults aged 80 and older.
• Albuminuria and inflammation markers are stronger predictors of CVD events in the very elderly compared to hypertension and diabetes.
• Findings highlight the need for age-specific risk assessment and targeted interventions for CVD prevention in older adults.