Table 1 Features which characterise early vascular ageing (EVA)
From: Urine and Serum Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Status and Early Vascular Ageing in Children and Adults
Type of change | Characteristic feature of EVA |
|---|---|
Change in macrovascular structure | Reductions in networks of collateral vessels Decreased number of arterioles Decreased number of arteriolar anastomoses Shorter, more fragmented elastin fibres Increased collagen cross-linking Reduced collagen elasticity Loss of capillaries |
Change in morphology | Increased wall thickness Hypertrophy particularly in the tunica media layer and in the tunica intima via infiltration of migrating vascular smooth muscle cells |
Change in function | Increased vascular stiffness Reduced elasticity and compliance of the vessel wall Increased vascular resistance Reduced vascular contractility |