Which statement describes a hemodynamic change observed with aging?

• A. Decrease in systolic BP due to arterial dilation
• B. Increase in systolic BP due to thickening and stiffening of larger arteries
• C. Decrease in left ventricular wall thickness
• D. Increase in resting heart rate

Answer: (B)

With aging, the large arteries become stiffer and thicker because the vessel walls undergo structural changes—elastin degrades, collagen increases, and calcification can occur. This loss of arterial compliance means the arteries don’t expand as easily during the heart’s systolic contraction, so systolic blood pressure rises and pulse pressure widens. The heart has to pump against this higher afterload, which is a common hemodynamic consequence of aging.

This explanation aligns with the statement that systolic BP increases due to thickening and stiffening of larger arteries. In contrast, arterial dilation would lower systolic pressure, LV wall thickness doesn’t typically decrease with age (it often increases or remains preserved, sometimes with eccentric remodeling), and resting heart rate generally stays the same or declines slightly rather than increasing.