The true age of the heart and blood vessels as a tool for increasing the effectiveness of cardiovascular risk assessment

Abstract

The problems of early vascular aging are analyzed as one of the possible key parameters for the development of cardiovascular pathology. The integral indicator, which is «vascular age» can be higher than chronological in the presence of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Vascular aging is a generalized process involving all layers of the arterial wall, which is based on structural and functional changes in large arteries. Early vascular aging is the accelerated development of relevant changes in patients with high cardiovascular risk. At the same time, the processes of arteriosclerosis, manifested in the degeneration of elastic fibers and the accumulation of collagen in the media, and atherosclerosis occur in parallel. Estimated true age of the heart and blood vessels (vascular age) reflects the degree of individual cardiovascular risk in a form understandable to the patient. Accessibility in the perception of this parameter for patients can significantly increase adherence to drug therapy and lifestyle changes. An indicator of early vascular aging can serve as a tool to reassess the cardiovascular risk category. It justifies the search for new models for theoretical understanding and influence on the increased risk of cardiovascular complications, as well as preventing the manifestation of cardiovascular diseases. In connection with this perspective, the most important cardiovascular risk factor is discussed - the age that determines the aging process, and especially vascular aging. The speed and severity of age-related changes depends on the many interactions between age, lifestyle, comorbidities, and genetics. The main data of the modern concept of early vascular aging are considered: the definition, the main mechanisms of vascular aging, methods for assessing early vascular aging, the clinical significance and the possibilities for its reduction.

Keywords

vascular age / cardiovascular risk / arterial stiffness / cardiovascular vascular index / concept of early vascular aging / true heart age / assessment of arterial stiffness

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RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Nikashin A.N., Cherkashin D.V., Sobolev A.D., Makiyev R.G.