Aging-associated cardiovascular changes and their relationship to heart failure

Synopsis Aging represents a convergence of declining cardioprotective systems and increasing disease processes that is fertile ground for the development of heart failure. With 50% of all heart failure diagnoses and 90% of all heart failure deaths occurring in the segment of the population over age 70, heart failure is largely a disease of the elderly. This review 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 highlighted.