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Cardiovascular Physiology

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Geriatric Trauma and Critical Care

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Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the most prevalent and substantial comorbidity affecting posttraumatic outcomes in the elderly. A thorough understanding of cardiovascular physiology and changes in normal aging are paramount to the physician caring for the older injured adult. This chapter covers the effects of ventricular hypertrophy and vascular stiffening on the function of the cardiovascular system. Physiologic changes such as decreased intrinsic heart rate, maximal heart rate, beta-adrenergic function, and baroreceptor sensitivity are also covered. Lastly, syndromes of the aged heart in acute illness and resuscitation strategies are briefly covered.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fellow in Acute Care Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA

    Jason P. Farrah MD

  2. Department of Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA

    R. Shayn Martin MD

  3. Department of General Surgery, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA

    Michael C. Chang MD

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  1. Jason P. Farrah MD
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  2. R. Shayn Martin MD
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  3. Michael C. Chang MD
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Correspondence to Jason P. Farrah MD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Lincoln Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA

    Jay A. Yelon

  2. Department of Surgery, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, USA

    Fred A. Luchette

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Farrah, J.P., Martin, R.S., Chang, M.C. (2014). Cardiovascular Physiology. In: Yelon, J., Luchette, F. (eds) Geriatric Trauma and Critical Care. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8501-8_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8501-8_2

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