Intravascular imaging in cardiovascular ageing

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Gerontology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Ageing involves molecular, inflammatory, and biochemical changes affecting coronary pathology.
• Coronary artery disease and cardiovascular events are often consequences of these ageing-related changes.
• Intravascular imaging is crucial for examining coronary plaque morphology and burden.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence from intravascular imaging studies on vascular ageing's impact on coronary artery morphology.
• To discuss the role of coronary imaging in evaluating the progression of atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of intravascular imaging studies.
• Analysis of studies investigating vascular ageing mechanisms and plaque morphology.
• Inclusion of studies comparing plaque pathology across age groups.
• Examination of serial intravascular imaging data for atheroma burden and plaque composition changes.

Main Results:

• Vascular ageing is associated with specific changes in coronary plaque morphology.
• Intravascular imaging techniques demonstrate alterations in plaque burden and composition over time.
• Differences in plaque pathology are observed between various age groups.

Conclusions:

• Intravascular imaging provides valuable insights into the effects of vascular ageing on coronary arteries.
• Coronary imaging holds potential for monitoring atherosclerotic evolution in ageing populations.