Question

With advancing age, a person is likely to suffer from hypertension because

• A. Arteries lose elasticity
• B. Adequate blood is not produced
• C. Heart wall becomes weaker
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A Arteries lose elasticity

The heart pumps blood throughout the body in a network of arteries. With advancing age, these arteries become too narrow, rigid and stiff (often caused by plaque build-up from high cholesterol). They lose the property of elasticity due to which the volume of blood that the arteries can handle is restricted. Narrowing of arteries leads to an increase in blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause damage to artery walls and to the heart itself.

So, the correct answer is option A.