Therapeutic Perspective On Cardiomyopathy And Heart Failure In Older Adults Through The Lens Of Chronic Inflammation
As we age, our hearts naturally undergo changes that can make them more vulnerable to conditions like cardiomyopathy, a disorder where the heart muscle struggles to pump blood effectively. This can eventually lead to heart failure, a serious condition where the heart can’t meet the body’s demands. A key driver behind these age-related heart problems is often chronic inflammation, a persistent, low-grade immune response that can damage tissues over time.
This ongoing inflammation, sometimes linked to a phenomenon called the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)—where aging cells release inflammatory signals—can worsen heart function by encouraging immune cells to infiltrate the heart muscle. This process is further complicated by common age-related health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and kidney disease.
Understanding this connection opens new avenues for treatment. Researchers are exploring anti-inflammatory strategies that could potentially slow down the progression of heart disease in older individuals and improve their quality of life. These include novel therapies aimed at reducing cellular aging (senomorphics and senolytics), boosting antioxidants to combat cellular stress, and using specific anti-inflammatory medications. The goal is to develop effective pharmacological approaches to address the complex, multifactorial nature of heart failure in an aging global population.
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