Document Detail


Pharmacotherapy of heart failure in the elderly: adverse events.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21688185     Owner:  NLM     Status:  Publisher    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Aging is associated with numerous alterations in body composition and organ function that result in substantial changes in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of virtually all drugs. In addition, older patients with heart failure (HF) almost invariably have multiple coexisting medical conditions for which they are receiving medications. This article reviews common adverse drug effects and drug interactions associated with HF therapy in older patients and discusses strategies for reducing the risk of adverse drug events. In order to minimize these risks, it is essential that clinicians avoid prescribing unnecessary medications, adjust medication dosages to optimally balance benefits and side effects, and remain ever vigilant to the potential for medications to cause or contribute to clinically important adverse events and impaired quality of life. In treating older HF patients, the oft-cited dictum "start low, go slow" clearly applies. Despite the inherent challenges, with careful management and close follow-up, most older HF patients can be successfully treated through the judicious use of guideline-recommended HF therapies.
Authors:
Michael W Rich
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Publication Detail:
Type:  JOURNAL ARTICLE     Date:  2011-6-19
Journal Detail:
Title:  Heart failure reviews     Volume:  -     ISSN:  1573-7322     ISO Abbreviation:  -     Publication Date:  2011 Jun 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-6-20     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9612481     Medline TA:  Heart Fail Rev     Country:  -    
Other Details:
Languages:  ENG     Pagination:  -     Citation Subset:  -    
Affiliation:
Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., Box 8086, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA, mrich@wustl.edu.
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