Recent Blog Articles
Can flavonoids help fend off forgetfulness?
Can physical or cognitive activity prevent dementia?
Wondering how much your medical care will cost? New rules could help
Long-lasting healthy changes: Doable and worthwhile
The sore throat checklist: What parents need to know
A new treatment for obesity
Remember the flu? Yep, it's that time again
3 ways to build brain-boosting social connections
Grandparenting: Ready to move for family?
Wondering about COVID-19 vaccines if you’re breastfeeding?
Heart Health
Avoiding heart problems in your 80s
Advancing age may warrant changes to preventive therapies for heart disease. But one size does not fit all.
Image: © Willowpix/Getty Images
Currently, the average life expectancy in the United States is about 79 years. But among people who survive to age 80 and beyond, health status can vary quite a bit. Some stay hale and hearty for years, while others gradually become weak and frail.
These differences are one reason there aren't any set guidelines for preventing heart disease in octogenarians. But there's a larger underlying issue — one that also explains why heart attack risk calculators (such as /heartrisk) don't allow you to enter an age above 79.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
