Peripheral vascular function, oxygen delivery and utilization: the impact of oxidative stress in aging and heart...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Gerontology
• Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly heart failure (HF), is a leading cause of death and a growing concern with an aging population.
• Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is characterized by exercise intolerance, fatigue, and impaired oxygen delivery/utilization.
• Peripheral vascular dysfunction, linked to oxidative stress and redox imbalance, is a potential contributor to these symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review studies investigating the impact of oxidative stress on peripheral vascular function.
• To examine the role of oxidative stress in oxygen delivery and utilization in healthy aging and HFrEF.
• To synthesize current understanding of redox imbalance in age-related vascular dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies examining oxidative stress, vascular function, and oxygen metabolism.
• Analysis of research focusing on healthy aging and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
• Synthesis of findings related to redox imbalance and peripheral vascular endothelial function.

Main Results:

• Oxidative stress and redox imbalance are implicated in peripheral vascular dysfunction.
• Impaired vascular function contributes to reduced oxygen delivery and utilization.
• These mechanisms are relevant in both healthy aging and HFrEF.

Conclusions:

• Oxidative stress significantly impacts peripheral vascular function, affecting oxygen delivery and utilization.
• Understanding these redox-related mechanisms is crucial for addressing exercise intolerance in aging and HFrEF.
• Further research into mitigating oxidative stress may offer therapeutic benefits for cardiovascular health.