Gerontologic Considerations

Question 1

Cardiovascular physiological changes

Answer 1

Arterial walls thicken and stiffen, resulting in decreased compliance
The heart become slightly stiffer and may increase in size, related to left ventricular and atrial hypertrophy
Sclerosis of valves
Intrinsic and maximum heart rate decrease; resting heart rate and cardiac output are unaffected
Baroreceptors that monitor blood pressure become less sensitive
Circulatory changes with diminished blood flow
Loss of pacemaker cells with increased AV conduction time
Arterial sclerosis and arthrosclerosis

Question 2

Possible findings and/or results

Answer 2

**Hypertension: increased risk of CVA, am I, and renal failure
Heart murmurs,
Decrease cardiac reserve (may lead to orthostatic hypotension or syncope)
Overall, diminished peripheral pulses and cool extremities
Dysrhythmias

Question 3

Top 5 killers of adults

Answer 3

Heart disease
Cancer
Accidents
Lower respiratory disease
CVA