Age-related pathological alterations of the vasculature have a critical role in morbidity
and mortality of older adults. In epidemiological studies, age is the single most
important cardiovascular risk factor that dwarfs the impact of traditional risk factors.
To develop novel therapeutic interventions for prevention of age-related vascular
pathologies, it is crucial to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of
vascular aging. In this review, shared molecular mechanisms of aging are considered
in terms of their contribution to the pathogenesis of macrovascular and microvascular
diseases associated with old age. The role of cellular senescence in development of
vascular aging phenotypes is highlighted, and potential interventions to prevent senescence
and to eliminate senescent cells for prevention of vascular pathologies are presented.
The evidence supporting a role for interorgan communication and circulating progeronic
and antigeronic factors in vascular aging is discussed.
