Age Differences

As many of us know, the aging process can definitely take a toll on our body. Some of the age-related changes include: memory loss, weakened bones, arthritis, presbyopia (decreased sight) cataracts, glaucoma, other retinal disorders, presbycusis (hearing loss), slowing of the GI system, incontinent of urine, tooth decay, loss of skin elasticity, and an overall decrease in functional abilities. It is important to note that, as we age, our body’s organs become “played out” in a sense. This includes the heart, one of the most vital organs of the body.

            As the heart begins to age, so do the vessels of the body. These vessels can become more rigid, making it harder for blood to flow through them. Through life processes, fatty deposits (plaque) also develop along the endothelium in the walls of the arteries, which also slows blood flow to and from the heart. Other heart related changes with age are as follows: The heart tends to get thicker, especially the left ventricle. Heart valves, the mitral and tricuspid, may become thickened, or even leaky. The heart rate also changes. Medications, anxiety, stress, lack of physical activity, illness, injury, and infection all affect the heart’s pumping ability throughout the aging process as well (“Age-related Heart Disease,” 2016). Having narrow vessels due to hardening and plaque formation, along with other risk factors (smoking, diabetes, hypertension), all add up to increase one’s risk for heart disease and put the individual at a greater risk of having a heart attack.

            Age is one of the number one risk factors for heart disease. The age differences related to the development of heart disease are also based on gender, which will be discussed in further detail in the next passage. For men, the development of heart disease occurs much earlier than it does in women. Once again, this will be discussed later as to why this occurs. For men, the typical ages seen in the development of heart disease range from 35-65. This large gap can be due to many factors, including environment (both work and home), stress, and certain genetic attributions. Women, on the other hand, tend to have heart attacks after menopause. These ages for females, depending on their postmenopausal state, are usually after 60.

            Problems associated with heart disease throughout the aging process include angina (chest pain), atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension (high blood pressure), orthostatic hypotension, and atrial fibrillation (rapid, irregular heart beat) (“Age-related Heart Disease,” 2016).         

            However, despite any age, it is important to know that heart disease can develop at any point in time, especially if certain risk factors (genetic predisposition, smoking, diabetes, etc.) are present. Patients cannot expect to just have a development of heart disease between the ages of 35-70. Heart disease is a progressive condition that needs to be prophylactically treated early. Things that patients can do to assist in the age-related changes involved in heart disease include, but are not limited, to: exercising, smoking cessation, low-fat and low-sodium diet, yearly physical examinations including blood pressure and cholesterol checks, and taking medications, if prescribed, as ordered by the physician (“Age-related Heart Disease,” 2016).