Chapter 21.5, Problem 20BYGO

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

The two changes that occur in the blood vessels in old age, other than specific vascular diseases.

Introduction:

Our arteries become less distensible as we get older and absorb lea systolic strength. This growing rigidity is referred to as arteriosclerosis. The primary cause of this is a lifeline of free radicals damage that causes the elastic and other tissues of the arterial walls to deteriorate gradually. Another contributing factor is atherosclerosis, the growth of lipid deposits in the arterial walls. The most common vascular disease, atherosclerosis, can lead to stroke, kidney failure, or heart failure.