A Review of Clinical Influencing Factors in the Selection of Cardiac Medications in the Elderly

Abstract

Aging is a stage of the natural life cycle. It is a set of natural and coordinated growth changes all organs and body systems undergo to burnout. It is impossible to determine the exact time of old age for two reasons. First, the aging process is different for humans due to individual, hereditary factors. Second, aging has a set of physiological, psychological and, social factors. This review aimed to gather appropriate clinical information and facts for clinicians when practicing heart medications in elderly patients, preventing potentially inappropriate practices. The absorption of heart medications decreases due to diminished bowel movements in the elderly. In the elderly, the blood flows to the entire gastrointestinal tract decreases and as a result, the entry of the medications into the general bloodstream decreases. Delayed absorption weakens the potency of the medication while prolonging its effects. These effects might be unsafe because most heart medications have a narrow therapeutic index. Factors influencing the selection of alpha & beta blockers, nitrates, CCCBs, ACE-Is, diuretics, and digoxin will be reviewed.