As humans age, why do arteries stiffen, increasing systolic blood pressure, despite dietary interventions?

💡 Explanation

Arterial stiffening with age occurs because of progressive elastin fiber degradation in the arterial walls; this loss of elastin reduces arterial compliance. Therefore, blood pressure rises because the aorta is less able to expand and accommodate the stroke volume, rather than sodium pump dysfunction, hormonal changes, or smooth muscle proliferation.

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