Dyspnea in 70-year-old people.

In the population study "70-year-old people in Göteborg" 45.5% of the probands were found to have an increased exertional dyspnea or to be short of breath at the medical examination. We have found it interesting to estimate to what extent a subjective experience of dyspnea at the age of 70 is related to disease and whether it is available for treatment. Out of these probands, 64% of the males and 48% of the females suffered from cardiac failure or pulmonary disease, compared to 48% of males, and 24% of females without dyspnea. Among dyspnoic probands without cardiac failure and pulmonary disease, ischemic heart disease was significantly more common than in probands without dyspnea. Probands with dyspnea but without cardiopulmonary disease felt less healthy and were more tired than others, although an objective health screening showed no difference between the two groups. They also had a significantly lower peak flow rate. A dyspnea that was not statistically related to disease was found in 30% of the males and 43% of the females. During a 5-year follow-up there was no statistically significant difference in mortality between dyspnoic probands without cardiopulmonary disease and others.