American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test 2025 - Free Surgery Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary complication leading to death in individuals over the age of 65 is often cardiac complications. As people age, they commonly experience various cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias, which significantly increase their mortality risk. The prevalence of these conditions, along with the physiological changes associated with aging, such as reduced responsiveness to stressors and diminished reserve capacity, makes cardiac conditions a leading cause of death in this demographic.

Additionally, cardiac events can be precipitated by other health issues such as stroke or pneumonia, but the underlying cardiac health often plays a pivotal role in the patient's overall prognosis. It’s also worth noting that while other conditions like pneumonia, stroke, and sepsis are serious concerns in older adults, they often arise as complications of underlying cardiac issues or other chronic health problems, rather than being the primary cause of mortality. Thus, recognizing cardiac complications as a significant risk factor for premature death in the elderly is essential for effective healthcare planning and intervention.