Comorbid conditions and decreased physiologic reserves make persons age 65
and older particularly vulnerable to the adverse consequences of acute bloo
d loss. Thus, gastrointestinal bleeding in this population presents an, urg
ent clinical challenge. Treatment of such emergencies may be the purview of
the gastroenterologist, but the primary care physician can play a key role
in, the preliminary diagnosis and management, timely referral for emergenc
y intervention, and follow-up care. Because of age-related changes, includi
ng decreased cardiovascular reserve and a higher risk of hemorrhage, any ev
idence of GI bleeding in an older patient demands diligent intervention.