Vnitr Lek 2000, 46(3):174-177

[Chronic heart failure in the aged].

J Bruthans: Interní klinika 2. LF UK a FN Motol, Praha.

Ageing of the population, advances in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and in the treatment of chronic heart failure cause a rapid increase of the prevalence of chronic heart failure in the population and of the number of hospital admissions on account of this diagnosis. The majority of patients with chronic heart failure are over 65 years and their ratio is increasing. The diagnosis clinical course and treatment of old patients with chronic hearth failure has specific features which become more marked with advancing age. As a role other associated diseases are present as well as factor which cause deterioration of chronic hearth failure, complicate the diagnosis and treatment. With regard to the large number in the population and the patients age ambulatory care of patients with chronic heart failure will also in future be mainly ensured by general practitioners in close collaboration with cardiologist and specialist in internal medicine. A further progression of the number and severity of hospital admissions on account of chronic heart failure may be foreseen.