title: Aging-associated cardiovascular changes and their relationship to heart failure.
abstract: Aging represents a convergence of declining cardioprotective systems and increasing disease processes that is fertile ground for the development of heart failure. Fifty percent of all heart failure diagnoses and 90% of all heart failure deaths occur in individuals older than 70. This article discusses the microscopic and macroscopic changes in cardiovascular structure, function, protective systems, and disease associated with aging. In addition to outlining important clinical considerations and conditions in older persons, the link between normal aging and the elevated risk for development of stage B heart failure is explained and potential therapeutic pathways are highlighted.
authors: Human Cardiovascular Studies, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, Clinical Research Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Harbor Hospital, NM-500, 3001 South Hanover Street, Baltimore, MD 21225, USA. Straitj@mail.nih.gov
authors: James B
authors: JB
authors: Strait
authors: Edward G
authors: EG
authors: Lakatta
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D016276:Ventricular Function / Q000502:physiology*