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Severe myocardial dysfunction induced by ventricular remodeling in aging rat hearts
J M Capasso1, T Palackal, G Olivetti
1Department of Pathology, New York Medical College, Valhalla 10595.
The American Journal of Physiology
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Aging impairs heart function and causes structural changes, leading to increased wall stress and eventual heart failure in senescent rats. This study reveals how aging affects cardiac performance and remodeling.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Gerontology
- Cardiac Pathophysiology
Background:
- Aging is associated with cardiovascular changes.
- Understanding age-related alterations in cardiac function and structure is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-induced changes in myocardial functional properties.
- To examine ventricular remodeling in aging male Fischer 344 rats.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative physiological and morphological assessments.
- In vivo evaluation of cardiac pump function and ventricular dimensions.
- Analysis of fibrotic area fraction and wall stress.
Main Results:
- Cardiac function remained stable until 20 months, then declined, indicating ventricular failure at 29 months.
- Ventricular volumes increased with age, accompanied by significant myocardial fibrosis.
- Wall stress progressively increased with age, rising by 64%, 44%, and 50% across age intervals.
Conclusions:
- Aging causes continuous increases in cardiac wall stress.
- Ventricular remodeling does not normalize age-related wall stress.
- These factors contribute to heart failure in senescent rats.