Cardiovascular reserve to orthostatic stress in active-living elders

Abstract

A preliminary field survey of cardiovascular responses during orthostatic stress in active-living very old elders over 70 years old in Japan was conducted. The subjects were 36 active-living elders (age; mean=77.8 yrs, 70-88 yrs) in rural Japan (mountain area), and 9 healthy young persons (mean 22 yrs). During short-term (2min) orthostatic stress, active-living elders (>70 years old) had age-dependent orthostatic tachycardia and hypertension (by increased pulse pressure), and significantly decreased heart rate fluctuations with maintained blood pressure fluctuations. We conclude that cardiovascular changes with aging itself do not necessarily cause orthostatic intolerance.