During evaluation of an old man in the outpatient clinic, he states that he has headache which responds to the over-counter medications. He has no medical conditions and takes no medications. Physical examination is normal but his blood pressure is 175/71 mmHg and pulse is 80/ min. CT scan of the head reveals no significant abnormalities. Which of the following age-related changes best explains this patient's blood pressure readings?

Question

During evaluation of an old man in the outpatient clinic, he states that he has headache which responds to the over-counter medications. He has no medical conditions and takes no medications. Physical examination is normal but his blood pressure is 175/71 mmHg and pulse is 80/ min. CT scan of the head reveals no significant abnormalities.  Which of the following age-related changes best explains this patient's blood pressure readings?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: An incident finding of an isolated systolic hypertension commonly seen in elderly patients results from age-related stiffening (ie, replacement of elastin with collagen) and reduced compliance of the aorta and other large arteries.

During Evaluation of an Old Man in the Outpatient Clinic