As a result of the increase in diastolic blood pressure associated with aging:

A) the heart valves become stiff and impede blood flow through the heart.
B) the left ventricle works harder, becomes thicker, and loses its elasticity.
C) cardiac output progressively increases secondary to decreased afterload.
D) the ventricles overfill with blood, resulting in chronic congestive heart failure.

Answer: B) the left ventricle works harder, becomes thicker, and loses its elasticity.