Aging of the Vascular Wall

Demographic aging is predicted to be one of the most significant social changes of the 21st century. Aging is a slow, multifactorial process that progressively impacts the integrity of cells, tissues, and organs. This decline in function increases the risk of numerous diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). CVD, the leading global cause of death, becomes more prevalent with age. Aging contributes to endothelial dysfunction, vessel stiffness, thickening, and impaired platelet function. These changes disrupt hemostatic processes and increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. Despite preventive strategies CVD remain a major public health challenge. Cellular aging, or senescence, affects all cell types, particularly endothelial cells and platelets. However, little research has compared the aging rates of different blood vessel types, such as arteries and veins. Given their distinct compositions and developmental origins, it is likely that their aging processes differ at molecular, cellular, and physiological levels.