Prevention of cardiac disease in the elderly

There is much evidence for identifying and altering certain risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, raised cholesterol levels, smoking, obesity, hormone changes and exercise to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease; certain drugs have also been shown to be of benefit. Although the elderly population is most likely to suffer cardiovascular disease, very little of the trial evidence has looked at this patient group. It is important that the interventions we recommend for young patients have a comparable risk/benefit profile in the elderly so that we can offer them the most appropriate treatment. (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.