How does the structure of the heart change with aging?

As individuals age, various physiological changes occur throughout the body, including the cardiovascular system. One significant change in the heart's structure with aging is that it tends to pump less efficiently. This decline in efficiency can be attributed to several factors.

Firstly, the heart muscle may become stiffer, which can affect its ability to contract and fill adequately with blood. Additionally, age-related changes may lead to increased deposits of fat and fibrous tissue within the heart, which can further reduce the heart's ability to function optimally. Over time, the electrical system of the heart can also become less effective, leading to a higher likelihood of arrhythmias, which impacts its overall pumping capability.

The combination of these factors leads to the heart being less efficient in its role to pump blood throughout the body, consequently affecting cardiac output and overall cardiovascular health in older adults.