Age Related Changes Of The Cardiovascular System

Front 1

structural changes of Atria

Back 1

increased size of left atrium

Thickening of the endocardium

Front 2

Functional changes of Atria

Back 2

Increased Atrial Irritability

Front 3

History and Physical findings associated with age related changes of the Atria

Back 3

Irregular heart rhythm from atrial dysrhythmias

Front 4

Strucutral changes of left ventricle

Back 4

Endocardial fibrosis

Myocardial thickening (hypertrophy)

Infiltration of fat into myocardium

Front 5

Functional changes of left ventricle

Back 5

Left ventricle stiff and less compliant

Progressive decline in cardiac output

Increased Risk for ventricular dysrhythmias

Prolonged systole.

Front 6

H&P findings associated with age related changes of the left ventricle

Back 6

Fatigue

Decreased excercise tolerance

Signs and symptoms of HF or ventricular dysrhythmias

Point of maximal impulse palpated lateral to the midclavicular line

decreased intensity S1, S2; split S2

S4 may be present.

Front 7

Stuctural changes of heart valves

Back 7

Thickening and ridgidity of AV valves

Calcification of aortic valve

Front 8

Functional changes of heart valves

Back 8

Abnormal blood flow across valves during cardiac cycle

Front 9

H & P findings associated with strucutral and functional changes of heart valves

Back 9

Murmurs may be present

Thrill may be palpated if significant murmur is present

Front 10

Strucutral changes in conduction system

Back 10

Connective tissue collects in SA node, AV node, and bundle branches

Decreased number of SA node cells

Decreased number of AV, bundle of HIS, and right and left bundle branch cells

Front 11

Functional changes in conduction system

Back 11

Slower SA node rate of impulse discharge

Slowed conduction across AV node and ventricular conduction system.

Front 12

H & P findings associated with structural and functional in conduction system

Back 12

Bradycardia

Heartblock

ECG changes consistent with slowed conduction

( increased PR interval, widended QRS complex)

Front 13

Strucutral changes in sympathetic nervous system

Back 13

Decreased response to beta-adrenergic stimulation

Front 14

Functional changes in sympathetic nervous system

Back 14

Decreased Adaptive Response to exercise: Contractility and heart rate slower to respond to exercise demands

Heart Rate takes more time to return to baseline

Front 15

H&P findings associated with structural and functional changes in sympathetic nervous system

Back 15

Fatigue

Diminished exercise tolerance

Decreased ability to respond to stress

Front 16

Structural changes in Aorta and arteries

Back 16

stiffening of vasculature

Decreased elasticity and widening of aorta

Elongation of aorta, displacing the brachiocephalic artery upward

Front 17

Functional changes in Aorta and Arteries

Back 17

Left ventricular hypertorphy

Front 18

H & P findings associated with strucutral and functional changes in Aorta and Arteries

Back 18

Progressive increase in systolic BP

Slight increase in diastolic BP

Widening pulse pressure

Pulsation visible above right clavicle

Front 19

Structural changes in Baroreceptor Response

Back 19

Decreased sensitivity of baroreceptors in the carotid artery and aorta to transient episodes of hypertension and hypotension

Front 20

Functional changes in Baroreceptor Response

Back 20

Baroreceptors unable to regulate heart rate and vascular tone, causing slow response to postural changes in body position

Front 21

H&P findings associated with strucutral and functional changes in Baroreceptor Response

Back 21

Postural blood pressure changes and reports of feeling dizzy, fainting when moving from lying to sitting or standing position.