Affiliation:
1. Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
2. Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health
Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
Abstract
Abstract:
Diseases of the cardiovascular system have been the biggest cause of mortality for the
majority of the last century, currently contributing to almost a third of deaths every year globally.
Ageing associates with changes to the structure and function of the heart and vascular system that
progressively increase the incidence of abnormalities, morbidity, and cardiovascular disease. The
burden of ageing and its relationship to cardiovascular disease risk highlights the need for more research
into the underlying mechanisms involved and how they may be treated and/or prevented.
Factors influencing adrenergic dysfunction may explain a significant part of the age-related deterioration
in health and responsiveness of the cardiovascular system. Increased sympathetic activity in
old age overstimulates adrenergic receptors and causes detrimental changes within the associated
signalling mechanisms, including a reduction in receptor number and downstream effector efficiency.
Pharmacological agents, such as metformin, resveratrol, beta-blockers, and angiotensin converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, have been identified as potential anti-ageing therapies with cardiovascular
effects, which may be beneficial in treating the decline in cardiovascular function with old
age. Regular exercise has also shown promise in the prevention and treatment of harmful age-related
effects on the cardiovascular system. This review will investigate age-associated vascular and
cardiac remodelling, and the link between adrenergic dysfunction and vascular and cardiac control.
This review will also consider whether pharmacological or non-pharmacological therapies are most
effective, or indeed complimentary to potentially optimised ageing of the cardiovascular system
and improved quality of life in the elderly.
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine,Pharmacology
Cited by
1 articles.
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