[Age-related changes in the elastic properties of large arterial vessels (author's transl)]

228 healthy subjects aged 20 to 100 were examined. The elasticity of the large arterial vessels was assessed by measuring the pulse rate. Methods of arterial sphygmography were applied for studying the vessels of the systemic circulation, while electrokymography was used for the pulmonary circulation. The examination results showed that the elasticity of the large arterial vessels diminishes in the process of ageing while their rigidity increases. This is primarily due to morphological changes in the vascular wall - i.e. the development of sclerosis. The age-dependent changes are unevenly distributed. They are more pronounced in the arteries of the systemic circulation than in the system of the pulmonary artery. The reduced elasticity of the arterial vessels greatly affect cardiac output and also reduces the general adaptability of the circulatory system.