Cardiac changes associated with vascular aging. Issue 2 (16th December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Singam, Narayana Sarma V.; Fine, Christopher; Fleg, Jerome L.
• Other Names: Wenger Nanette K. guestEditor.; Alexander Karen P. guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Clinical cardiology. Volume 43:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 92
• Page End: 98
• Publication Date: 2019-12-16
• Subjects: aging and the cardiovascular system -- cardiac mechanics -- echocardiography -- heart failure -- remodeling; Cardiology -- Periodicals; 616.12005
• DOI: 10.1002/clc.23313
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0160-9289

Abstract

Abstract: Cardiovascular aging is a complex process of adaptive structural and functional changes over time. With advancing age, the arterial tree thickens and decreases in compliance, resulting in increased pulse wave velocity, systolic blood pressure, and left ventricular afterload. In response to these arterial changes, the myocardium remodels to maintain systolic function and diastolic filling. These adaptive mechanisms are not necessarily pathologic but increase the susceptibility for myocardial ischemia and heart failure in the presence of common age‐associated comorbidities. This article reviews the pathophysiology of cardiovascular aging and discusses therapeutic interventions that may ameliorate these processes.