Table 40.2. Pathophysiologic alterations that may contribute to or are associated with elevated blood pressure in aging

Table 40.2. Pathophysiologic alterations that may contribute to or are associated with elevated blood pressure in aging.

Increased arterial stiffness

Decreased baroreceptor sensitivity

Increased sympathetic nervous system activity

Decreased α- and β-adrenergic responsiveness

Decreased endothelial cell-derived relaxing factor function

Sodium sensitivity

Low plasma renin activity

Insulin resistance