Kentucky Medication Aide (KMA) State Practice Exam

What likely occurs as the heart enlarges with age?

1. Increased cardiac output

2. Decreased cardiac output

3. Stable blood flow

4. Improved oxygen delivery

The correct answer is: Decreased cardiac output

As the heart enlarges with age, it often leads to a decrease in cardiac efficiency. This enlargement, known as cardiomegaly, can result from a variety of factors, including changes in the heart muscle, increased workload, or other underlying health conditions. As the heart becomes larger, it may not be able to pump blood as effectively as it once did, which can result in a decrease in the overall volume of blood that is pumped out with each heartbeat. This reduced efficiency can lead to a lower cardiac output, impacting the amount of blood—and therefore oxygen—that reaches various tissues and organs in the body. The aging process can also contribute to stiffening of the heart muscle and impairment of the heart's electrical system, which can further compromise its ability to function effectively. Therefore, a decreased cardiac output is a significant concern as individuals age and the heart undergoes these physical changes.