Abstract
Assuming a cylindrical geometry for the thoracic aorta, passive elastic stiffness-stress relations have been obtained on the basis of a large deformation “anisotropic” elastic theory. Employing pressure-volume data obtained previously by Bader (1967) from human thoracic aortas of various age groups (29–85 yr), it is shown that the stiffness of the aortic wall material increases with age, a result in qualitative agreement with Bader's studies. Although elastic stiffness of the arterial wall increases with age, the large deformation theory, in contrast to the linear theory proposed by Bader, indicates that lumen volumes increase in such a manner so as to maintain constant operating stiffness levels with age at 100 mmHg pressure. Failure of the aorta to maintain constant level of elastic stiffness may be one cause of essential hypertension.
Published Version
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