Which of the following occurs with age?

Question

A. thinning of the intima

B. reduced vascular conductance in response to increased noradrenaline

C. reduced pulse wave velocity

D. increased sensitivity to therapeutic intervention to treat ischemia

E. increased tolerance of ischemia

Answer 1

Hi Keanu,

I'd be happy to answer this question for you! The correct answer is: B.

B: Correct. As we are there is an increase in noradrenaline and a decrease in vessel compliance and overall function.

A: Incorrect. As we age, the elasticity of vessels decreases and they become more resistant to stress. The lumen of vessels tends to decrease, and the tunica intima begins to thicken.

C: Incorrect. In normotensive older individuals, PWV increases with age. Similar rationale to answer A.

D: Incorrect. The body is less able to adapt and overcome ischemic challenges and it is more difficult to treat older adults. There is no change in sensitivity with age.

E: Incorrect. As we age, cardiac function declines for a multitude of reasons, including decreased vessel compliance. Older folks are less likely to tolerate ischemia, especially cardiac ischemia, because they simply cannot increase cardiac output sufficiently to compensate.