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Updated: Feb 20, 2026
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Assessment of Vascular Tone Responsiveness using Isolated Mesenteric Arteries with a Focus on Modulation by Perivascular Adipose Tissues
Published on: June 3, 2019
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Neurovascular interactions in the ageing heart
Julian U G Wagner1,2,3, Stefanie Dimmeler4,5,6
1Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Nature Reviews. Cardiology
|February 18, 2026
Summary
As people live longer, extending healthspan is crucial. This review explores how ageing affects the heart
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Aging Research
- Neurovascular Biology
- Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Increasing global life expectancy necessitates extending healthspan and preventing age-related diseases.
- Cardiovascular disease, driven by aging, is a leading cause of mortality, causing vascular dysfunction and cardiac decline.
- Aging impacts the neurovascular unit, affecting cardiac autonomic regulation and increasing risks for arrhythmias and heart failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of neurovascular aging on cardiac dysfunction.
- To explore therapeutic strategies targeting the cardiac neurovascular unit for cardiovascular aging.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review on neurovascular aging and cardiac function.
- Analysis of studies investigating the neurovascular unit's role in cardiovascular aging.
- Examination of therapeutic targets within the cardiac neurovascular unit.
Main Results:
- Aging significantly alters the structure and function of the cardiac neurovascular unit.
- Impaired neurovascular signaling contributes to autonomic dysfunction and increased susceptibility to heart failure.
- The cardiac neurovascular unit is a critical determinant of cardiovascular resilience during aging.
Conclusions:
- Neurovascular aging is a key driver of cardiac dysfunction and age-related cardiovascular diseases.
- Targeting the cardiac neurovascular unit offers promising therapeutic avenues to mitigate cardiovascular aging.
- Promoting neurovascular health may enhance resilience in aging populations.
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