AGING AND CARDIAC-FUNCTION - INFLUENCE OF EXERCISE

Changes in cardiac structure occur with increasing age. Cardiac functi on is also altered, partially by the increase in blood pressure that a ccompanies aging. Diastolic left ventricular dysfunction, in particula r, is more common in older individuals. In the elderly, maximal exerci se produces a higher end-diastolic volume to achieve maximal increase in cardiac output, but the increase in ejection fraction is less than in younger subjects Also, a high proportion of apparently healthy elde rly subjects, if carefully tested, are found to have occult coronary a rtery disease Thus, exercise performance and testing have special cons iderations in the elderly. Older individuals who exercise regularly ha ve a lower resting heart rate and blood pressure and improved fitness, balance, and gait. Those who maintain a pattern of routine exercise a re at lower risk for cardiovascular events. In most cases, exercise ca n be recommended as an important strategy for promotion of cardiovascu lar health.