Which age-related change contributes to a patient's systolic hypertension in older adults?

The correct answer highlights the loss of elasticity in arterial vessels as a significant age-related change that contributes to systolic hypertension in older adults. As individuals age, the arterial walls undergo structural changes, including stiffness and reduced elasticity. This is primarily due to the accumulation of collagen and changes in the vascular smooth muscle that result in decreased compliance of the arteries.

When the arteries become less elastic, they are less able to accommodate the surge of blood that occurs during systole (the phase of the heartbeat when the heart contracts and pumps blood). This leads to an increase in systolic blood pressure, as the heart must work harder to eject blood into these stiff vessels. Consequently, the increase in systolic pressure becomes more pronounced with advancing age, often resulting in isolated systolic hypertension, which is particularly common in older adults.

Understanding this change is crucial in managing cardiovascular health in the elderly population, as it influences treatment decisions and monitoring strategies for hypertension.