A fluid–structure interaction (FSI) numerical model of the aortic valve was used to simulate and compare young and physiological aged operating conditions. The effect of normal ageing was considered by introducing alterations typically associated with senility: namely mild stiffening of the tissues and progressive dilation of the aortic chamber. The aim of this study is to provide a haemodynamic baseline which allows to assess the typical physiological variations associated with advancing age. Results were analysed in terms of leaflets kinematics, flow dynamics, pressure and valve performance parameters. The study indicates that the normal changes occurring with ageing, such as stiffening and progressive aortic root dilation, can result in substantial alterations in the haemodynamics and mechanical efficiency of the aortic valve. In particular, mild tissue stiffening and aortic root dilation reduce the valve efficiency over the cardiac cycle. The concomitant presence of both phenomena can lead to some mitigation of the impairment. The observed changes, which can be associated with normal and healthy ageing, need to be taken into consideration when evaluating the real pathological contribution of aortic valve diseases occurring in aged patients.

主动脉瓣的流固耦合（FSI）数值模型用于模拟和比较年轻和生理性老年手术条件。通过引入通常与衰老相关的改变来考虑正常衰老的影响：即组织的轻度僵硬和主动脉腔的逐渐扩张。这项研究的目的是提供一个血液动力学的基线，该基线可以评估与年龄增长有关的典型生理变化。根据小叶运动学，流动动力学，压力和瓣膜性能参数对结果进行了分析。该研究表明，随着年龄的增长而发生的正常变化，例如僵硬和进行性主动脉根部扩张，可能会导致主动脉瓣的血流动力学和机械效率发生实质性变化。尤其是，轻度组织僵硬和主动脉根部扩张会降低整个心动周期的瓣膜效率。两种现象的同时存在可导致某种程度的损害减轻。在评估老年患者中发生的主动脉瓣疾病的真正病理贡献时，需要考虑观察到的与正常和健康的衰老相关的变化。