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Healthy aging and myocardium: A complicated process with various effects in cardiac structure and physiology

E S Nakou1, F I Parthenakis1, E M Kallergis1

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital, 7100, Voutes, Heraklion-Crete, Greece.

International Journal of Cardiology
|February 21, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac aging involves complex changes making the heart vulnerable to disease in older adults. This review explores these age-related cardiac alterations and potential new treatments for cardiovascular conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Gerontology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Global life expectancy is increasing, particularly for individuals over 65.
  • Cardiac aging encompasses structural, cellular, molecular, and functional myocardial changes.
  • These alterations increase susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases in the elderly.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review multifactorial changes in the aged myocardium.
  • To highlight recent evidence on the pathophysiology of cardiac aging.
  • To explore clinical implications and novel therapeutic strategies for age-related cardiac dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of cardiac aging.
  • Analysis of pathophysiological mechanisms.
  • Examination of clinical management and therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

  • Aged myocardium exhibits significant structural and functional decline.
  • Genetic and environmental factors influence the rate of cardiac aging.
  • Increased prevalence of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and other cardiovascular diseases in the elderly.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiac aging is a complex, multifactorial process with significant clinical impact.
  • Understanding cardiac aging pathophysiology is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
  • Future research should focus on translating aging insights into improved cardiovascular care for older adults.

Keywords:
Age-induced cardiac changesAged myocardiumCardiac stem cellsMicro RNAsβ-Adrenergic desensitization

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