The Ageing Heart And Lungs

Question 0

What happens to the heart valves in ageing?

Answer 0

Amyloid and collagen deposits
Increase thickness
Decrease flexibility
Thickened valve –> problem with opening and closing

Question 1

What structural changes occur in the CVS in ageing?

Answer 1

Number of myocytes decreases due to apoptosis and necrosis
Increase deposition of amyloid and collagen which leads to fibrosis
Increase in ventricular wall thickness
Enlargement of the left atrium

Question 2

What happens if the conduction pathways are disrupted? What is disrupted?

Answer 2

Arrhythmias
Due to a decrease in excels in the SA node
The neurones innervating the SA nodes degenerate so the efficiency of innervation decreases

Question 3

What changes occur in blood pressure in ageing?

Answer 3

Systolic blood pressure rises higher than diastolic

Due to pressure from peripheral resistance

Question 4

What changes occur in the myocardial function in ageing?

Answer 4

Decrease in contractile strength and efficiency

Question 5

What changes occur in cardiac output in ageing?

Answer 5

Decrease in cardiac output

Question 6

What results from incomplete valve closures?

Answer 6

Systolic and diastolic murmurs

Systolic from left hand side

Question 7

What can irritability of the myocardium result in?

Answer 7

Extra systoles
Sinus arrhythmias
Sinus bradycardia