Cardiovascular drug therapy in the elderly, with special emphasis on pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic considerations

Advancing age is associated with important changes in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of cardiovascular drugs. In this issue, Drs. Hilleman and Nair discuss cardiovascular drug therapy in the elderly, with special emphasis on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations. Following this, Dr. Rich reviews three recent articles on the use of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors in patients at risk for developing congestive heart failure, and another article on the exclusion of elderly subjects and women from clinical trials of pharmacologic interventions in acute myocardial infarction. Also included in this issue are a comprehensive annotated bibliography of the recent literature relevant to cardiovascular disease in the elderly, a report from the Council on Geriatric Cardiology summarizing recent research activities of the Council, and a calendar of upcoming meetings and events.