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Heart Fail Rev (2012) 17:707719 DOI 10.1007/s10741-011-9293-8
Age-related cardiovascular disease and the benecial effects of calorie restriction
Miranda M. Y. Sung Jason R. B. Dyck
Published online: 18 November 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011
Abstract Aging is a well-recognized risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease, which is the primary cause of death and disability in the elderly population. The normal process of aging is associated with progressive deterioration in structure and function of the heart and vasculature. These age-related changes likely act as both a catalyst and accelerator in the development of cardiovascular disease. Since the aging population is one of the fastest growing segments of the population, it is of vital importance that we have a thorough understanding of the physiological changes that occur with aging that contribute to the high incidence of cardiovascular disease in this population. This insight will allow for the development of more targeted therapies that can prevent and treat these conditions. One such anti-aging strategy that has received considerable attention as of late is calorie restriction. Calorie restriction has emerged as one of the most effective and reproducible interventions for extending lifespan, as well as protecting against obesity, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular disease. Herein, we review the multiple benecial effects that calorie restriction and resveratrol exert on the cardiovascular system with a particular focus on aging. Although calorie restriction and resveratrol have proven to be very effective in preventing and treating the development of cardiovascular disease in animal models, studies continue as to whether these profound benecial
effects can translate to humans to improve cardiovascular health.
Keywords Calorie restriction Cardiovascular disease
Aging Resveratrol
Introduction
The elderly population is the fastest growing segment of the population in North America [1]. It is estimated that the number of persons aged 65 years and older will double to 71 million over the next 20 years, accounting for more than 20% of the U.S. population [1, 2]. This population growth is largely a result of increasing life expectancy and the high birth rates of the post-world war 2 baby boom era. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for nearly 34% of all deaths in the U.S., and based on the most recent 2007 statistics it is estimated that more than 2,200...