As individuals age, what happens to their cardiac reserve?

As individuals age, there is a natural decline in cardiac reserve, which is the heart's ability to increase output beyond its normal level in response to increased demand, such as during exercise or stress. Aging is associated with various physiological changes, including decreased maximum heart rate, reduced responsiveness to adrenergic stimulation, and stiffening of cardiac tissue, which ultimately limit the heart’s ability to pump more blood when needed.

Additionally, older adults often face comorbid conditions like hypertension, heart disease, and decreased physical fitness that further exacerbate the reduction in cardiac reserve. This diminished capacity can lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular events and a decreased ability to tolerate physical exertion. Therefore, it's essential to recognize that as individuals age, their cardiac reserve diminishes, making it crucial to monitor and manage cardiovascular health in this demographic.