Final answer:
The leading cause of death in the geriatric patient is heart disease, which is influenced by lifestyle choices and other risk factors. Poor diets and sedentary lifestyles are primary contributors, along with smoking, obesity, and diabetes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The leading cause of death in the geriatric patient is heart disease. This can be attributed to a variety of factors including sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, and other risk factors such as smoking, obesity, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, and lack of exercise. While conditions like pneumonia and osteoporotic fractures can significantly affect the elderly, they often do not independently lead to death but may contribute to a decline in general health that could exacerbate underlying heart conditions. Cardiologists identify heart failure, a condition where the heart is unable to pump effectively, as one of the many disabling heart conditions that can lead to mortality. It is critical for healthcare providers to monitor cardiovascular health in the elderly closely and to encourage lifestyle changes that can reduce the risks associated with heart disease.