Introduction

Longevity has lengthened in recent times. This has resulted in an increase in the elderly population, with life expectancy at birth in men in the UK being approximately 72.5 years and women, 78.5 years. Despite the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases decreasing in the past 40 years, these still continue to be the largest cause of mortality in the elderly. Cardiovascular mortality and morbidity are lower in women. However, this is not true in the later years of life. After the age of 80, the risk of cardiovascular problems increases to that of men. The cardiovascular changes occurring with aging consists of changes in the heart and arterial system.