Work

Mechanisms and implications of sex differences in cardiac aging

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: Aging promotes structural and functional remodeling of the heart, even in the absence of external factors. There is growing clinical and experimental evidence supporting the existence of sex-specific patterns of cardiac aging, and in some cases, these sex differences emerge early in life. Despite efforts to identify sex-specific differences in cardiac aging, understanding how these differences are established and regulated remains limited. In addition to contributing to sex differences in age-related heart disease, sex differences also appear to underlie differential responses to cardiac stress such as adrenergic activation. Identifying the underlying mechanisms of sex-specific differences may facilitate the characterization of underlying heart disease phenotypes, with the ultimate goal of utilizing sex-specific therapeutic approaches for cardiac disease. The purpose of this review is to discuss the mechanisms and implications of sex-specific cardiac aging, how these changes render the heart more susceptible to disease, and how we can target age- and sex-specific differences to advance therapies for both male and female patients.

Source: The Journal of Cardiovascular Aging

DOI: 10.20517/jca.2022.01

Authors: Aykhan Yusifov, Kathleen C. Woulfe, Danielle R. Bruns

Institutions: University of Wyoming, University of Colorado Anschutz

Language: English

Topic: Cardiovascular Function and Risk Factors

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of General Medical Sciences