Heart HealthAging Arteries May Fuel Heart Disease Beyond Cholesterol
Cholesterol matters, but aging arteries may help explain why cardiovascular risk persists in older adults. This review brings together research on three connected processes: damaged cells that stop dividing, persistent inflammation, and changes in how genes are controlled. Together, these processes may encourage plaque buildup and keep immune cells primed for inflammation, even after earlier metabolic stress. The authors also discuss differences between women and men and experimental treatments that either quiet inflammatory signals or remove aging cells. These include metformin, plant compounds, and targeted delivery technologies. However, the abstract does not establish that these approaches prevent heart attacks or safely reverse artery aging in humans. The practical message is to view aging biology as a possible future addition to established cardiovascular prevention, not a replacement. This summary uses the abstract only.
