Final answer:
Aging results in changes to the left ventricle, endocardium, heart valves, and the frequency of dysrhythmias. These include thickening of the heart wall, valves becoming stiffer, and a higher prevalence of abnormal heart rhythms.
Step-by-step explanation:
As an individual ages, several changes occur in parts of the circulatory system. The left ventricle may undergo hypertrophy, where the heart wall thickens to pump blood through stiffer blood vessels. The increase in wall thickness can also affect the size of the heart chambers, as the space inside the ventricle may be reduced. Over time, the endocardium, which is the inner lining of the heart chambers, can become thicker and more fibrotic. This can contribute to changes in the heart's structure and function.
Characteristic changes also occur in the valves of the heart. The heart valves, essential for one-way blood flow, can become stiffer and may calcify with age, leading to conditions such as valvular stenosis or regurgitation. These alterations can hinder the smooth passage of blood between the chambers and lead to leaky valves, affecting the heart's efficiency.
With aging, there is also an increase in the prevalence of dysrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms. The heart may not beat as rapidly in response to physical activity or stress as it did in younger years. These rhythm changes can range from benign to more severe arrhythmias, impacting how well the heart can perform its function of circulating blood effectively.