Increased lipid content in artery walls
Myocardial hypertrophy
Decreased baroreceptor sensitivity Thickening of SA node Decreased number of pacemaker cells Increased time of AV node conduction
Loss of vasomotor tone
Progressive thickening of arterial walls
Heart valve fibrosis and thickening
Increased incidence of atherosclerotic events
Increased prevalence of arrhythmias
Predisposed to orthostatic hypotension**
Prolonged PR interval
Haemodynamic alterations: Reduced cardiac output Increased BP Increased peripheral vascular resistance Decreased compliance of left ventricle Increased incidence of murmurs Extra heart sounds S3 and S4 *
Decreased ability to increase heart rate or BP in response to stressors
