Table 1 Definition of co-morbidities identified in the study population

Cardiac disease

Known history of ischemic heart disease, previous cardiac interventions

Malignancy

Currently under oncological follow up or treatment for active oncological disease

Diabetes mellitus

Patient requiring insulin or oral hypoglycemic therapy

Neurological disease

History of cerebro-vascular accident, severe parkinsonism and/ or antiepileptic therapy

Dementia

Any case with established diagnosis of dementia

Hypertension

History of hypertension requiring medication

Chronic anticoagulation

Patients currently on anticoagulation (LMWH or Warfarin), and /or antiplatelet therapy (excluding aspirin)

Chronic renal failure

History of preexisting renal insufficiency on admission

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Ongoing treatment for COPD