AGE-RELATED REMODELING OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM AND ITS ACCELERATION FACTORS
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a heavy burden on the elderly. Age-associated structural and functional alteration of the heart and blood vessels increases the risk of CVD. In light of the projected growth of the population of older adults over the next several decades, the societal burden attributable to CVD will continue to rise. There is thus an enormous opportunity to foster successful aging and to increase functional life years through expanded efforts aimed at CVD prevention. This article presents the current view on the senescence mechanisms in the cardiovascular system and describes age-related pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system. Potential therapeutic approaches discussed can help reduce high morbidity and mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases in elderly patients.