Echocardiographic Findings and Cardiovascular Profile of the Very Old Indian Population

Abstract

Background: Age-related changes in the cardiovascular system are significant, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in older adults. CVDs are currently the leading cause of mortality among older Indian adults, yet very few studies are presently available evaluating the older adults for CVDs and risk factors. We aim to assess the very old adults for the prevalence of CVDs and risk factors using non-invasive assessment tools. Methodology: This hospital-based cross-sectional study included 200 adults aged 75 years and above, visiting a tertiary care hospital in India. They underwent routine clinical evaluation, a comprehensive geriatric assessment and detailed cardiovascular evaluation using non-invasive tools like echocardiography and blood investigations. Results: The overall prevalence of CVDs in this population was 76%. Among the cardiovascular risk factors, hyperhomocysteinemia was present in 83.5%, hypertension in 59.5%, dyslipidemia in 41.5%, sedentary lifestyle in 35%, and obesity in 30.5%, and Diabetes Mellitus in 24.5%. In echocardiographic assessment, valvular dysfunction was present in 33% of the population, though moderate to severe valvular disease was seen in 6.5%. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was seen in 81%, systolic dysfunction in 10% and pulmonary hypertension in 5% of the subjects. Conclusion: The very old adults had significant age-related changes in echocardiographic assessment, along with the high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and risk factors. These findings should encourage physicians to screen the very old adults for cardiovascular risk factors and diseases, for their early identification and effective management.

Keywords

• older adults
• cardiovascular diseases
• cardiovascular risk factors
• echocardiography