Management of Cardiovascular System Disorders in the Older Adult

By Kimberly Posey, AGPCNP-BC, DNP, PhD, GS-C

(1)

Cardiovascular gerontology examines the unique aspects of heart and vascular diseases in older adults, where age-related changes significantly alter disease presentation, progression, and management strategies. This specialized field bridges fundamental cardiovascular science with clinical geriatrics, addressing how the aging cardiovascular system responds differently to pathological processes and therapeutic interventions. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for any medical practitioner, as cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly populations worldwide.

This course builds upon core knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, requiring familiarity with basic cardiac pathophysiology before exploring its geriatric applications. Students will learn how aging affects coronary artery disease manifestations, heart failure mechanisms, peripheral vascular disease progression, hypertension management complexity, and atrial fibrillation dynamics in older patients. The clinical relevance extends beyond cardiology into primary care, emergency medicine, and internal medicine, as these conditions present distinct diagnostic and treatment challenges in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities, altered pharmacokinetics, and unique quality-of-life considerations that must be balanced against aggressive interventions.