With aging, what change commonly occurs in the cardiovascular system?

As individuals age, one of the notable changes in the cardiovascular system is the wearing out of the heart muscle. This process occurs due to a variety of factors like reduced elasticity of blood vessels and structural changes within the heart itself. Over time, the heart may become less efficient at pumping blood, leading to decreased cardiac output and potential heart-related issues.

The aging process might cause the heart muscle to become stiffer and thicker, which can impair its ability to relax and fill properly. This phenomenon contributes to an increased risk of conditions such as heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases, underscoring the importance of monitoring heart health as individuals grow older. Thus, the option highlighting the wearing out of the heart muscle accurately reflects a prevalent characteristic of cardiovascular aging.