Vascular Aging

Vascular aging refers to progressive structural and functional deterioration of blood vessels that occurs over time. Aging blood vessels exhibit reduced elasticity, increased wall thickness, impaired vasodilation, and altered extracellular matrix composition. These changes are driven by oxidative stress, chronic low-grade inflammation, endothelial cell dysfunction, and accumulation of molecular damage. As vascular compliance declines, blood pressure regulation becomes impaired, increasing mechanical stress on the heart and microcirculation. Vascular aging reduces efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, contributing to organ dysfunction across multiple systems. It plays a central role in age associated hypertension, atherosclerosis, stroke risk, and impaired physical endurance. Vascular aging also influences brain health by compromising cerebral perfusion, thereby affecting cognitive function. Importantly, vascular aging reflects biological aging rather than chronological age alone. Understanding vascular aging provides insight into systemic aging processes and supports early intervention strategies aimed at preserving circulatory integrity, reducing disease burden, and maintaining functional health during aging.