Which of the following would cause an increase in blood pressure with aging?

As individuals age, there is typically a physiological change in the arterial system characterized by decreased arterial compliance and increased arterial stiffness. This phenomenon is primarily due to structural changes in the vascular walls, including an increase in collagen and a decrease in elastin.

Decreased arterial compliance means that the blood vessels become less able to expand in response to the pressure of the blood flowing through them. This reduced capacity to accommodate the volume of blood results in higher pressure within the arteries. At the same time, increased arterial stiffness means that the arteries are less flexible and resilient. Stiffer arteries cannot absorb pressure effectively during the cardiac cycle, leading to a greater impact of each heartbeat on arterial pressure.

Thus, the combination of decreased compliance and increased stiffness directly contributes to higher blood pressure readings in older adults. This understanding is crucial in assessing cardiovascular health and managing age-related changes in blood pressure.