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The Jerusalem 70 year olds longitudinal study: gastrointestinal findings
R Eliakim1, A Cohen, G Ginsberg
1Department of Internal Medicine, Hadassah University Hospital, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel.
Israel Journal of Medical Sciences
|August 1, 1996
Summary
This study surveyed gastrointestinal symptoms in 70-year-olds in Jerusalem. Heartburn was common, and upper abdominal pain was linked to ischemic heart disease, contributing to understanding aging gastrointestinal health.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Gastrointestinal diseases are prevalent in aging populations.
- Understanding age-related gastrointestinal symptoms is crucial for geriatric care.
- Limited data exists on gastrointestinal health in elderly cohorts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey gastrointestinal symptoms and signs in a cohort of 70-year-olds in Jerusalem.
- To contribute to the knowledge of gastrointestinal disease development in this age group.
- To establish the representativeness of the study sample.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey of 605 individuals aged 70, followed by in-depth examination of 463.
- Data collection included questionnaires, physical examinations, blood tests, urine analysis, ECG, and pulmonary function tests.
- Three-year follow-up compared interviewed, examined, and control groups for mortality and morbidity.
Main Results:
- Up to one-third of subjects reported upper gastrointestinal symptoms, primarily heartburn.
- Nearly 10% experienced weekly abdominal pain; left lower quadrant pain was rare (<1%).
- A direct association was found between upper abdominal pain and ischemic heart disease symptoms.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully characterized gastrointestinal symptoms in a Jerusalem cohort of 70-year-olds.
- Heartburn is a significant symptom in this age group.
- The association between upper abdominal pain and ischemic heart disease warrants further investigation.