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Functional aging in health and heart failure: the COmPLETE Study
Jonathan Wagner1, Raphael Knaier1, Denis Infanger1
1Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Birsstrasse 320 B, 4052, Basel, Switzerland.
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders
|August 1, 2019
Summary
This study identifies key physical fitness and cardiovascular biomarkers for healthy aging and heart failure. Findings will guide diagnostic recommendations for optimizing healthspan and preventing cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biomarker Discovery
- Aging Research
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, are leading causes of morbidity, with aging as a primary risk factor.
- Age-related decline in physical fitness and organ function significantly impacts healthspan.
- Identifying biomarkers to differentiate healthy aging from heart failure-related dysfunction is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify physical fitness and cardiovascular biomarkers that best reflect age-related cardiovascular risk.
- To determine which physical fitness markers are most impaired in heart failure patients.
- To inform diagnostic guidance and prevention strategies for optimizing healthspan.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study with two cohorts: COmPLETE-Health (healthy aging, n=490) and COmPLETE-Heart (heart failure, n=80).
- Comprehensive assessment of physical fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness, walking speed, balance, strength) and cardiovascular function (pulse wave velocity, endothelial function, arterial structure).
- Objective assessment of physical activity via accelerometry and calculation of 'health distances' using statistical methods.
Main Results:
- The study aims to identify specific biomarkers distinguishing healthy aging from heart failure.
- It will pinpoint physical fitness components most affected by heart failure.
- The research will establish quantitative measures of 'health distance' for comparative analysis.
Conclusions:
- This research will provide a comprehensive understanding of aging-related cardiovascular changes.
- It is expected to define new diagnostic recommendations for aging populations.
- The findings will guide targeted interventions for primary and secondary prevention to enhance healthspan.
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