AGING PROCESS: Aging can be defined as an association of senescence and disease states. Aging induces changes in adaptive processes, modifying heart failure pathophysiology.
Mechanisms: In a population over 75, half of the patients with congestive heart failure have normal left ventricular systolic function. Heart failure in these patients results from ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Hypertension and coronary heart disease are the main causes of heart failure.
Therapeutic implications: Identifying the etiology and the underlying mechanism (systolic or diastolic) are essential steps guiding further management.