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Updated: Sep 15, 2026
Pulse Wave Velocity Testing in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Published on: February 7, 2014
Assessing cardiovascular functioning in older people
1School of Nursing, University of Hull.
Insights
Cardiovascular health declines with age, with atherosclerosis being a near-universal condition in older adults. This age-related vascular change significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the elderly population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Gerontology
- Pathology
Background:
- The cardiovascular system, including the heart and blood vessels, is vital for oxygen and nutrient delivery and waste removal.
- Normal aging processes in the cardiovascular system are challenging to distinguish from disease.
- Atherosclerosis is a widespread condition in older individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between aging and cardiovascular system changes.
- To understand the role of atherosclerosis in age-related cardiovascular issues.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cardiovascular aging and disease processes.
- Analysis of the prevalence of atherosclerosis in older populations.
Main Results:
- Atherosclerosis is nearly universal in older people.
- Atherosclerosis is a primary contributor to increased cardiovascular problems in the elderly.
Conclusions:
- Distinguishing normal aging from disease in the cardiovascular system is complex.
- Atherosclerosis plays a critical role in the heightened prevalence of cardiovascular disease among older adults.
Abstract:
The cardiovascular system comprises the heart and blood vessels. The heart circulates the blood through the vascular system to supply oxygen and nutrients to the peripheral tissues and remove carbon dioxide and other waste products. The blood has other functions such as distributing heat around the body and fighting infection. With the cardiovascular system it is difficult to separate the effects of normal ageing from disease processes (Watson 2000a). However, the process of atherosclerosis is almost universal in older people and is largely responsible for the higher prevalence of cardiovascular problems in older people (Hall et al 1993).
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