Healthify - Web Capture - Ageing What is Normal
Healthify
Sector evidence
Sector body
June 2026
Next review not yet scheduled
New Zealand
Medium confidence
published
SNZ editorial review
Evidence boundary: This record summarises the cited source. It does not establish local availability, individual eligibility, or professional advice.
Short Answer
- Stiffening of blood vessels: Arteries naturally become less elastic over time, which causes blood pressure (especially systolic — the top number) to rise gradually.
Key Points
- •Stiffening of blood vessels: Arteries naturally become less elastic over time, which causes blood pressure (especially systolic — the top number) to rise gradually.
- •New or worsening chest pain, tightness, or discomfort — not a normal part of ageing.
- •Shortness of breath that comes on with minimal activity or at rest.
- •Palpitations — feeling your heart racing, fluttering, or skipping beats, especially if this is new or frequent.
- •Dizziness or fainting — especially when standing up (postural hypotension may be normal to a degree, but fainting is not).
- •Swollen ankles or legs that are not related to a known injury.
Full Summary & Notes
- Stiffening of blood vessels: Arteries naturally become less elastic over time, which causes blood pressure (especially systolic — the top number) to rise gradually. - Heart muscle changes: The heart wall thickens slightly, and the heart's left ventricle may become slightly stiffer. The heart rate at rest tends to stay the same, but the maximum heart rate during exercise decreases. - Reduced exercise tolerance: It takes longer for the heart rate to increase with activity and to return to normal after activity. This is normal — you may feel more winded during activity than when younger. - New or worsening chest pain, tightness, or discomfort — not a normal part of ageing. - Shortness of breath that comes on with minimal activity or at rest. - Palpitations — feeling your heart racing, fluttering, or skipping beats, especially if this is new or frequent. - Dizziness or fainting — especially when standing up (postural hypotension may be normal to a degree, but fainting is not). - Swollen ankles or legs that are not related to a known injury. - Blood pressure that is consistently above 140/90 mmHg — not normal; needs management. - Slower digestion: Food moves through the digestive tract more slowly. The stomach empties more slowly. - Reduced stomach acid production: The stomach produces less acid, which can affect absorption of certain nutrients (especially vitamin B12, calcium, and iron). - Reduced bowel motility: The colon is less
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