Kentucky Medication Aide (KMA) State Practice Exam

What happens to the walls and vessels of the heart as a person ages?

1. They become thinner and more elastic

2. They thin and lose strength

3. They thicken and may lead to an enlarged heart

4. They remain unchanged throughout life

The correct answer is: They thicken and may lead to an enlarged heart

As a person ages, the walls and vessels of the heart undergo changes that can lead to thickening and potentially contribute to an enlarged heart. This thickening can occur due to several factors, including changes in the composition of the heart muscle and the vascular system. For example, the deposition of collagen and other substances can cause the heart muscle to become stiffer and thicker, which may impede its ability to pump effectively. Additionally, the thickening of the vessel walls can lead to decreased elasticity, increasing the risk of conditions such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. These changes in the heart's structure and function are significant because they can alter how well the heart works and how blood flows through the body. An enlarged heart, or cardiomegaly, can result from the increased workload on the heart due to hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions. Understanding these age-related changes is critical for recognizing potential health issues in older adults and the need for appropriate medical management.