Why does vascular elasticity decrease in aging arteries, predisposing individuals to hypertension, even without significant atherosclerosis?

💡 Explanation

Fragmentation of elastin fibers occurs because elastase activity increases and elastin synthesis decreases with age, thereby reducing the arteries' capacity to recoil after expansion. This contrasts with atherosclerosis's plaque formation, and increased collagen would stiffen the arteries further, rather than causing fragmentation.

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