The decline in cardiac function that commonly occurs in late adulthood is MOST often related to:

The decline in cardiac function commonly seen in late adulthood is most often related to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque within the arteries, which can lead to narrowing and hardening of the blood vessels. This process can significantly impede blood flow and reduce the overall efficiency of the cardiovascular system.

As individuals age, the risk of developing atherosclerosis increases due to a combination of factors such as increased blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, sedentary lifestyle, and other lifestyle-related issues. The impact of atherosclerosis on the heart can manifest as decreased cardiac output, increased workload on the heart, and a higher likelihood of cardiovascular diseases.

While medication use, hypotension, and kidney failure can also influence cardiac function, they are not as directly linked to the general decline seen in the elderly population as atherosclerosis. Medications might contribute to cardiovascular issues in certain cases but are not universal in their effects on older adults’ heart health. Hypotension can result from various conditions and treatments but is less common as a primary cause of widespread cardiac decline. Kidney failure can impact heart function, yet it is often a secondary issue arising from other primary cardiovascular problems, including atherosclerosis itself. Thus, atherosclerosis is fundamentally