Diabetes and cardiovascular disease prevention in older adults

Clin Geriatr Med. 2009 Nov;25(4):607-41, vii-viii. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2009.09.001.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death as well as a leading cause of disability and impaired quality of life in older adults with diabetes. Therefore, preventing cardiovascular events in this population is an important goal of care. Available evidence supports the use of lipid-lowering agents and treatment of hypertension as effective measures to reduce cardiovascular risk in older adults with diabetes. Glucose control, smoking cessation, weight control, regular physical activity, and a prudent diet are also recommended, although data supporting the efficacy of these interventions are limited. While reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality remains a primary objective of preventive cardiology in older adults with diabetes, the impact of these interventions on functional well-being, cognition, and other geriatric syndromes requires further study.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anticholesteremic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / mortality
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Cause of Death
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / epidemiology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / mortality
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / prevention & control*
  • Diet, Diabetic
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Quality of Life
  • Risk Factors
  • Smoking Cessation

Substances

  • Anticholesteremic Agents
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Blood Glucose