ABSTRACT
Introduction Cardiovascular diseases are the commonest cause of morbidity and mortality in those aged over 65. The most frequent manifestations include ischemic heart disease, cardiac failure, atrial fibrillation and hypertension. The burden of cardiovascular disease caused by disability and dependency is costly to society in terms of health and social resources. Approximately 20% of Europeans are currently over the age of 65 years and, as the population ages further, the size of this management problem will increase.
