CAD

Question 1

What are some age related changes to the heart valves?

Answer 1

Calcification and fatty degeneration of valve leaflets and annuli

Question 2

What are some age related changes to the coronary arteries?

Answer 2

Dilation, tortuosity, and medial calcification

Question 3

What are some age related changes to the conduction system of the heart?

Answer 3

• Fibrosis and loss of special cells and fibers
• Loss of 75% of pacemaker cells in SA node
• Fibrosis of AV node and left anterior fascicle

Question 4

What are some additional age-related physiological changes that occur in the heart?

Answer 4

• Myocardial relaxation decreases
• Diastolic dysfunction develops
• Valvular regurgitation develops
• Peak exercise heart rate declines
• PR, QRS, QT are prolonged