RESUMEN
Evidence from epidemiologic studies indicates that the same factors that are associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in middle-aged people are relevant in older adults (i.e., those aged >or=65). The relative risk associated with some risk factors decreases with advancing age but this is offset by greater incidence of CHD among older adults. A growing body of evidence from clinical trials indicates that risk factor modification in older adults reduces CHD risk as effectively as it does in middle-aged adults. Multivariable risk assessment can be used to effectively target intervention to those at significant risk for an initial CHD event and to avoid over-treatment. It is important to appreciate that the average remaining life expectancy after achieving 80 years is about 8 years.