A Non-Coronary, Peripheral Arterial Atherosclerotic Disease (Carotid, Renal, Lower Limb) in Elderly Patients—A Review: Part I—Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Atherosclerosis-Related Diversities in Elderly Patients

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a generalized and progressive disease. Ageing is a key risk factor for atherosclerosis progression that is associated with the increased incidence of ischemic events in supplied organs, including stroke, coronary events, limb ischemia, or renal failure. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and major disability in adults ≥ 75 years of age. Atherosclerotic occlusive disease affects everyday activity and quality of life, and it is associated with reduced life expectancy. Although there is evidence on coronary artery disease management in the elderly, there is insufficient data on the management in older patients presented with atherosclerotic lesions outside the coronary territory. Despite this, trials and observational studies systematically exclude older patients, particularly those with severe comorbidities, physical or cognitive dysfunctions, frailty, or residence in a nursing home. This results in serious critical gaps in knowledge and a lack of guidance on the appropriate medical treatment and referral for endovascular or surgical interventions. Therefore, we attempted to gather data on the prevalence, risk factors, and management strategies in patients with extra-coronary atherosclerotic lesions.

Overweight, Obesity, and Age Are the Main Determinants of Cardiovascular Risk Aggregation in the Current Mexican Population: The FRIMEX III Study

“…As can be seen, the epidemiological situation in Mexico is worse. As it happens in Europe, more vascular events occur in the elderly population after many years of negligent diagnosis and insufficient treatment of CV risk factors [43,[45][46][47].…”

Relationship between Pulse Pressure and Handgrip Strength in the Korean Population: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

“…Early detection of increased PP may allow for intervention at the right time, including the management of malnutrition and exercise, to prevent sarcopenia and improve overall health. Ischemic preconditioning, which stands as a proven technique for organ adaptation to chronic ischemia, is known to enhance peripheral blood circulation [ 39 ]. For example, walking training, one of the ischemic preconditioning methods, may be used as a way to slow down or prevent sarcopenia.…”

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“…An important role is also played by extracellular vesicles of thrombocytic origin, which play an extremely important role in thrombosis phenomena in the atheroma plaque in the context of exposure to procoagulant factors. Thrombotic phenomena in turn lead to increased levels of biomarkers such as CRP, ICAM, VCAM, interleukin family, or vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) [79].…”