[Cardiovascular pharmacotherapy in old age: How beneficial is it? What does it cost?]

Because of their high morbidity and mortality, elderly people benefit most from drugs with a proven effect on disease complications and premature death. Thiazides, beta adrenergic blocking drugs, oral anticoagulants and aspirin are drugs that satisfy such criteria. These medications are comparatively well tolerated and cheap. They should not be neglected in favour of newer drugs with a less complete performance record.