The Study on the Hemodynamics in Old Hypertensive Subjects

1) The hemodynamics in 42 old hypertensive subjects without complications of cardiac origin or of any other cause was examined using dye-dilution method. 2) The hemodynamics in old hypertensive subjects showed, in general, the slightly-10w cardiac output-high peripheral vascular resistance pattern. 3) When the effect of age was examined in these old hypertensive subjects, a decrease in stroke index was evident with advancing age. The wasting influence of aging on the left ventricular function became more marked after seventy, though the latter was fairly well maintained without apparent signs of cardiac decompensation. 4) Both cardiac index and stroke index decreased when mean blood pressure became higher. It was suggested that the left ventricle was "relatively over-loaded". 5) Age, per se, was a most important factor in determining the hemodynamics in old hypertensive subjects. It was suggested, moreover, that systolic blood pressure affected the left ventricular function, especially stroke index, much more than diastolic blood pressure did.