Geriatric Changes-A&P Flashcards
What occurs in the cardiovascular system as a person ages?
A decrease in the efficiency of the system.
What happens to the heart as a person ages?
The heart hypertrophies (enlarges).
What usually causes the heart to hypertrophy with age?
Chronically increased afterload imposed by stiffening blood vessels.
Is a larger heart necessarily better?
No, bigger is not better for the heart.
What primarily causes the decline in cardiac output with age?
Decreasing stroke volume.
What happens to the heart rate’s ability to respond to changes in preload as a person ages?
It has less ability to quickly respond.
What is arteriosclerosis?
A disease that causes arteries to thicken, harden, and calcify.
How does arteriosclerosis affect older Americans?
It contributes to systolic hypertension.
What additional burden does systolic hypertension place on the heart?
An extra burden due to increased pressure.
What disease states may contribute to the effects of arteriosclerosis?
- Diabetes
- Atherosclerosis
- Renal compromise
What is the association of systolic hypertension with health risks?
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and death.
What do collagen and elastin contribute to in the vascular system?
Compliance of the vascular walls.
What happens to collagen and elastin production with normal hypertension seen with aging?
Overproduction of abnormal collagen and decreased elastin.
What are the consequences of vascular stiffening?
- Widening pulse pressure
- Decreased coronary artery perfusion
- Changes in cardiac ejection efficiency
Are all cardiovascular performance changes due to aging?
No, some reflect the deconditioning effect of a sedentary lifestyle.
What lifestyle factor tends to limit physical activity in older adults?
Sedentary lifestyle.
What is the phrase that describes the importance of physical activity for the cardiac muscle?
‘Use it or lose it.’
