[Surgical treatment of heart valve diseases and coronary diseases in the elderly].

The results of the operative treatment of valvular and coronary heart disease in large groups of elderly patients demonstrate that age per se is no contraindication for cardiac surgery. Age holds only the sixth place in the ranking list of risk factors, at least for coronary revascularization. One has to be aware that the operative risk in patients well over 60 years of age is somewhat higher than in younger individuals. However, there is no clearly identifiable age-related measure for indication or contraindication in the particular case. Surgery should be considered in an elderly patient if he or she had been leading a normal active life before the onset of limiting symptoms caused by the underlying valvular or coronary heart disease. These patients should have a strong motivation to improve their lifestyle postoperatively. Severe additional disease should be considered as a potential reason for renunciation.