Heart Failure in the Frail Elderly

Heart Failure (HF) is the only major cardiovascular syndrome that is increasing in prevalence in developed countries. In addition to the longer survival of patients with ischemic heart disease and hypertension, the primary reason for this increase is population aging <[Coats, 1998]; [Rich, 2001]>. The greatest proportional growth is occurring among persons over 80 years of age, in whom the prevalence of HF is highest . As a result, while the number of adults over the age of 65 will double by 2030, the overall prevalence of HF is expected to quadruple. In addition to its substantial morbidity and mortality, HF imposes a significant financial burden <[O’Connell etal, 1994]>.