Final answer:
Some normal age-related changes to the CV system include decreased blood vessel flexibility and increased blood pressure. The heart may compensate for stiffer vessels by thickening parts of its wall, but its maximum beat rate during stress or activity decreases with age.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing normal age-related changes to the cardiovascular (CV) system, it's important to understand the usual patterns that occur as one ages. One significant change is decreased blood vessel flexibility, which can lead to increased resistance in the vessels. Furthermore, increased blood pressure generally accompanies this decrease in vessel elasticity. The heart compensates for the stiffer blood vessels by thickening some parts of the heart wall to pump blood more effectively. However, during exercise or stress, the aged heart may not be able to beat as fast as it did in one's youth. While these changes are normal, they can pose risks for cardiovascular conditions if they become pronounced.