Final answer:
Diastolic dysfunction in the elderly can cause inadequate filling of the ventricles, pulmonary congestion, and reduced exercise tolerance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diastolic dysfunction refers to the impaired relaxation of the heart's ventricles during the diastolic phase, when the heart is relaxed and filling with blood. In the elderly, diastolic dysfunction is often a result of age-related changes in the heart muscle and is commonly associated with conditions like hypertension, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease.
The consequences of diastolic dysfunction in the elderly can include:
- Inadequate filling of the ventricles: This can lead to reduced cardiac output and insufficient supply of oxygenated blood to the body.
- Pulmonary congestion: Impaired relaxation of the ventricles can cause blood to back up in the lungs, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath and fluid accumulation in the lungs.
- Reduced exercise tolerance: Diastolic dysfunction can limit the ability of the heart to adapt to increased physical activity, resulting in decreased exercise capacity.