Loss of vasomotor tone
Decreased baroreceptor sensitivity Thickening of SA node Decreased number of pacemaker cells Increased time of AV node conduction
Heart valve fibrosis and thickening
Increased lipid content in artery walls
Myocardial hypertrophy
Progressive thickening of arterial walls
Decreased ability to increase heart rate or BP in response to stressors
Prolonged PR interval
Predisposed to orthostatic hypotension**
Increased incidence of atherosclerotic events
Increased prevalence of arrhythmias
Haemodynamic alterations: Reduced cardiac output Increased BP Increased peripheral vascular resistance Decreased compliance of left ventricle Increased incidence of murmurs Extra heart sounds S3 and S4 *
