CAD Flashcards
1
Q
What are some age related changes to the heart valves?
A
Calcification and fatty degeneration of valve leaflets and annuli
2
Q
What are some age related changes to the coronary arteries?
A
Dilation, tortuosity, and medial calcification
3
Q
What are some age related changes to the conduction system of the heart?
A
- Fibrosis and loss of special cells and fibers
- Loss of 75% of pacemaker cells in SA node
- Fibrosis of AV node and left anterior fascicle
4
Q
What are some additional age-related physiological changes that occur in the heart?
A
- Myocardial relaxation decreases
- Diastolic dysfunction develops
- Valvular regurgitation develops
- Peak exercise heart rate declines
- PR, QRS, QT are prolonged