Li S, et al. – In this study, researchers assessed whether older patients with prior myocardial infarction (MI) or ischemic stroke (IS) are at risk for recurrent cardiovascular events, and whether comorbidities such as diabetes increase this risk. For this purpose, they studied 2 cohorts in a retrospective Medicare 20% random sample—a 2008 cohort with up to 6 years of follow-up and a 2012 cohort with 1 year of follow-up. Findings revealed a recurrent MI and a recurrent IS in the first year in 7.2% and 6.7% patients, respectively, and death of 32% among older patients who survived an event of MI or IS (2012 cohort). A significant association of comorbid diabetes (2012 cohort) with MI recurrence and risk of coronary revascularization in the MI cohort—and with IS recurrence in the IS cohort—was observed. High rates of recurrent cardiovascular events and multiple recurrent events were documented in this study population. The authors emphasized the need for aggressive intervention for secondary prevention and management of comorbidities in high-risk patients, particularly those with diabetes.