Cardiovascular ageing definition: a scoping review on conceptual and operational frameworks

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Gerontology
• Biomarkers

Background:

• Cardiovascular ageing encompasses arterial stiffening, myocardial remodelling, and inflammation, contributing to health decline.
• Defining cardiac and vascular ageing cohesively remains a challenge despite research advancements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current definitions of cardiovascular ageing.
• To propose a conceptual framework for understanding and defining cardiac and vascular ageing.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review of existing literature on cardiovascular ageing definitions.
• Identification of key conceptual and operational definitions.

Main Results:

• Vascular ageing is defined by arterial function/structure decline; early, healthy, and supernormal ageing are described.
• Biomarkers like pulse wave velocity, carotid intima-media thickness, NT-proBNP, hs-CRP, and hs-cTnT are relevant.
• A combined cardiovascular ageing score could enhance health assessments.

Conclusions:

• Validated definitions and biomarkers are needed across diverse populations.
• Improved measurement of cardiovascular ageing aids early risk identification and intervention.
• Refined understanding supports targeted mitigation of cardiovascular risks.