Arterial aging

Abstract

Background: Structure and function of arterial system change with advancing age. The most important aging-induced changes of arterial system are: endothelial dysfunction, increased stiffness of arterial wall, an increase in arterial lumen size and increased intima-media thickness. As a consequence of these changes, arterial wall becomes more prone to the atherosclerotic process. Besides, the aged arterial wall causes undesirable hemodynamic effects, such as increased central arterial and pulse pressure. Age and arterial aging were ignored as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies have shown that aging is one of the most potent predictors of cardiovascular events. Conclusion: In the present review article ageassociated changes of arterial system and underlying mechanisms are described. Parameters, which can help define the structural and functional arterial wall changes, are also listed.