A 78-Year-Old Man Is Being Evaluated for Headaches That Are

A 78-year-old man is being evaluated for headaches that are relieved by over-the-counter acetaminophen.  He takes no other medications and is a lifelong nonsmoker.  The patient's blood pressure is 180/70 mm Hg and pulse is 75/min and regular.  During a prior office visit, blood pressure was 175/68 mm Hg.  Physical examination shows an S4 but is otherwise unremarkable.  CT scan of the head reveals no significant abnormalities.  Which of the following age-related changes best explains this patient's blood pressure readings?

A) Decreased diameter of the aortic lumen
B) Decreased stroke volume
C) Increased arterial collagen deposition
D) Increased renal arterial resistance
E) Increased sympathetic tone

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