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Precision Ultrasound-guided Stem Cell Delivery for Vascular Repair in Aortic Diseases
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Vascular aging in adult congenital heart disease-a narrative review

Tomoaki Murakami1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Sapporo Tokushukai Hospital, Sapporo, Japan.

Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy
|August 29, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) experience accelerated cardiovascular aging, including aortic dilatation and abnormal arterial stiffness. Early management strategies are crucial for improving long-term outcomes in this growing population.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Vascular Aging
  • Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

  • Adult congenital heart disease (CHD) prevalence is increasing, leading to a focus on associated cardiovascular complications.
  • Aging exacerbates cardiovascular disease through arterial stiffening and aortic enlargement, conditions mirrored in CHD patients.
  • Aortic dilatation (aortopathy) is a frequent CHD complication, sharing pathological similarities with natural aging processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review aortic function in adult patients with CHD.
  • To explore the impact of CHD on the cardiovascular aging process.
  • To suggest new management directions for cardiovascular aging in CHD.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search on vascular physiology in CHD.
  • Utilized PubMed for original papers and reviews.
  • Data collection from January 1, 1973, to June 30, 2022, in English.

Main Results:

  • Enhanced pressure wave reflection is a common finding in various CHDs.
  • While overall aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) may not always be elevated, abnormal arterial stiffness gradients are prevalent.
  • Functional abnormalities of the aorta are frequently reported in CHD patients.

Conclusions:

  • Aortic abnormalities in CHD can lead to significant cardiovascular disease and organ damage.
  • Healthcare providers must carefully manage CHD patients, considering their accelerated aging process.
  • Attention to cardiovascular aging is essential for optimizing long-term care in adults with CHD.
Abstract

Keywords:
Congenital heart disease (CHD)arterial stiffnesscardiovascular diseasehypertensionpressure wave reflection

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