Impaired Redox Homeostasis and Cardiovascular Aging

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world. The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases has a strong positive correlation with aging. Impaired redox homeostasis is one of the hallmarks of aging. In the present chapter, we outline the main mechanisms in redox homeostasis and explain how increased oxidative stress might increase susceptibility to the development of cardiovascular diseases by contributing to the pathogenesis of hypertension, atherothrombosis, atherogenesis, ischemia--reperfusion injury, and diabetes and obesity. In addition, we outline the involvement of the cardiovascular cell population: cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, monocytes, and fibroblasts in redox homeostasis and explain the free radical theory of aging and damage theory and how cardiomyocytes are more susceptible to aging and oxidative stress due to their post-mitotic status and high-energy demand. Furthermore, we provide a brief overview of several anti-inflammatory and/or antioxidative substances such as statins, colchicine, canakinumab, and vitamins and briefly present the evidence from experimental studies and randomized controlled trials regarding the utility of these substances in the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular diseases.