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Cardiomyopathy in Older Adults
Deirdre E O'Neill1, Daniel E Forman2,3
1Department of Medicine and Mazankowski Heart Institute, Division of Cardiology, University of Alberta Hospital, 2C2 - 8440 112 Street NW T6G 2B7, Edmonton, AB, Canada. doneill@ualberta.ca.
Current Cardiology Reports
|October 9, 2025
Summary
Cardiomyopathy, common in older adults, includes hypertrophic, restrictive, and dilated types. Lifestyle changes and new gerotherapeutics may prevent and treat these heart muscle disorders, improving lifespan and healthspan.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cardiomyopathy involves heart muscle dysfunction, with aging increasing susceptibility.
- Older adults face higher risks due to molecular damage, chronic diseases, and geriatric syndromes like frailty.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review prevalent cardiomyopathies in older adults.
- To provide age-related perspectives on cardiomyopathy pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and prevention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on aging and cardiomyopathy.
- Analysis of age-related changes, inflammation, and oxidative stress impacts.
Main Results:
- Hypertrophic, restrictive, and dilated cardiomyopathies are prevalent in aging populations.
- Aging-related conditions like coronary artery disease, hypertension, and valve disease contribute to myocardial abnormalities.
- Inflammation and oxidative stress are key factors in age-related cardiomyopathy development.
Conclusions:
- Awareness of prevalent cardiomyopathies in older adults is crucial for optimizing care.
- Lifestyle modifications are key for prevention, with gerotherapeutics showing promise.
- Interventions can potentially improve lifespan and healthspan in older adults.
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