The reality of aging viewed from the arterial wall

Abstract

The main function of central arteries is to transform the pulsatile flow generated by the heart into an almost continuous distal flow. Major changes in the arterial wall ensue with aging, and are characterized by endothelial dysfunction, smooth muscle proliferation, elastin fragmentation, fibrosis, amyloid protein deposition, and calcification. These processes are driven by a proinflammatory microenvironment that features increased production of angiotensin II (Ang II) and its downstream signaling cascade. The aforementioned structural changes result in a loss of the dampening function of central arteries, widening of pulse pressure, and subsequent adverse effects on the heart and end-organ systems, i.e. The brain and kidneys.