The heart in the XXXX elderly.

@entity1 @entity82 @entity296 @entity101 @entity3979 @entity854 @entity4346 @entity943 @entity65
Left ventricular (LV) mass progressively increases throughout life, reaching its greatest magnitude in senescence. In the normotensive elderly, @entity4346 ( @entity4346 ) is mostly a consequence of a degenerative process in connective tissue. In @entity101 @entity1 , @entity4346 results from an increase in muscle mass and fibrotic tissue. @entity4346 by echocardiographic criteria can be found in up to 50% of elderly @entity1 with @entity101 . Although associated with aging, @entity4346 is associated with a higher rate of @entity65 . Even in the absence of @entity3979 , @entity4346 is associated with reduced coronary reserve, increased number of @entity943 and progressive deterioration in LV function. Conceivably, an increase in interstitial @entity82 and cross-linking collagen in the senescent heart is responsible for an increase in @entity296 and @entity854 . Regression of @entity4346 has been demonstrated not only to improve left ventricular filling and coronary reserve but also to diminish @entity943 . Although few studies have demonstrated that the reduction of LV mass is associated with better cardiovascular prognosis, it seems reasonable to consider it a goal of antihypertensive therapy. Of all anti- @entity101 agents, angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors seem to be the most powerful in reducing LV mass.
