Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
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The assessment of individual cardiovascular disease risk (CVD) is essential for a cost-effective prevention of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. While almost half of the population have a very low CVD risk approximately 1/5th of the population have a CVD risk >20% over the next 10 years. ⋯ The calculation of total cardiovascular risk also permits to calculate an individual heart-age, which makes it easier for the individual patient to understand his own risk profile. Most current risk estimation systems can be accessed online under u-prevent.com/calculators.
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Diabetes is one of the most common chronical diseases in old age. More than 50 % of the patients are older than 65 years. Elderly with diabetes often suffer from functional or cognitive deficits that should be registered in therapy. ⋯ Simple therapy regimens should be preferred to avoid polypharmacia and to preserve patient's independence. Specific risks of old age under new antidiabetic drugs should be noted. Check-ups and treatment of diabetic complications, especially the diabetic foot should be consequently induced considerating age-specific features.