MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Some of the pathways of this system may develop fibrous tissue and fat deposits. The natural pacemaker (the sinoatrial or SA node) loses some of its cells. These changes may result in a slightly slower heart rate. A slight increase in the size of the heart, especially the left ventricle occurs in some people.

Detailed explanation-2: -The most common aging change is increased stiffness of the large arteries, called arteriosclerosis (ahr-teer-ee-o-skluh-roh-sis), or hardening of the arteries. This causes high blood pressure, or hypertension, which becomes more common as we age.

Detailed explanation-3: -Age-related changes associated with the cardiovascular system include decreased cardiac output, increased blood pressure, decreased compliance of the heart muscle, and thickening of the heart valves.