Age related cardiovascular dysfunction and effects of physical activity.
The aim of the present article is to review  the principal  pathogenetic pathways of age-related cardiovascular  changes and the  positive effects of physical activity on these changes  as well as on  related cardiovascular dysfunction. The ageing mechanisms reviewed have been grouped into reduced tolerance  of oxidative stress, loss of cardiac stem cells, cardiovascular remodeling and impairment of neurovegetative control. New  pathogenetic conditions and their tests are described (sirtuines, telomere length, heart rate variability). Age related cardiovascular changes predispose the individual to arterial hypertension, heart failure and arrythmia. A broad spectrum of tests are available to indentify and monitor the emerging cardiovascular dysfunction. Physical activity influences all age related cardiovascular mechanisms, improves cardiovascular function and even, at moderate intensity can reduce mortality and heart attack risk. It is likely that the translation of laboratory studies to humans will improve understanding  and stimulate the use of physical activity to benefit cardiovascular patients.
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa,  Italy.
Fabio
F
Galetta
Angelo
A
Carpi
Nader
N
Abraham
Emanuele
E
Guidotti
Matteo A
MA
Russo
Marcello
M
Camici
Alessandro
A
Antonelli
Ferdinando
F
Franzoni
Gino
G
Santoro
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004260:DNA Repair; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D016615:Telomere
D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial