Cardiovascular emergencies in the elderly.

Already the major cause of mortality in the United States, cardio-vascular emergencies will become increasingly prevalent in the future as the geriatric population doubles. This article discusses five cardiovascular emergencies: acute coronary syndrome, congestive heart failure, dysrythmias, aortic dissection, and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. The discussion focuses on the differences in presentation, management, and outcomes that characterize each disease amongst the elderly. As a rule, the elderly have significantly worse outcomes than younger patients.