Final answer:
The normal aging heart goes through structural changes, including cardiac hypertrophy causing wall thickening, resizing of heart chambers, and valve stiffening from stenosis. These changes can lead to reduced blood-pumping efficiency and increased risk of heart failure, particularly in the elderly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Structural Changes in the Aging Heart
As one ages, the heart undergoes several structural changes. Cardiac hypertrophy is a significant alteration where the heart wall thickens, primarily to pump blood through stiffer arteries. This thickening, over time, can result in a weakened heart less capable of pumping blood effectively, leading to conditions like heart failure. Furthermore, the heart chambers tend to resize, which affects their blood-pumping efficiency.
Another critical age-related condition is stenosis. It occurs when heart valves stiffen, often leading to calcification and compromised valve flexibility. This rigidity can force the heart to work harder to pump blood, contributing to heart fatigue and possible failure. Aortic stenosis is one such example, commonly seen in the elderly population, with increasing prevalence with advancing age.
Lastly, the coronary arteries can become narrowed by the buildup of plaque, limiting oxygen-rich blood flow, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Engagement in regular aerobic exercise can induce healthy hypertrophy, contrasting with pathological conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can lead to sudden death in young individuals without a history of heart disease.