MODULE SUPPLEMENT: CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
Links to Theories of Aging

Consider the Free Radical Theory of Aging (Note: This link will open in a new browser window which you can close to return here). This theory suggests that the defense mechanisms that protect us against free radicals become less effective with age, which would increase our vulnerability to the development of atherosclerosis.

In addition, the theory that focuses on glycosylation (Note: This link will open in a new browser window which you can close to return here) also has relevance because glycosylation of tissues makes them function less effectively and promotes the development of free radicals. In fact, one study found that treatment with a product that broke advanced glycation end-product crosslinks resulted in improved vascular compliance (Kass, Shapiro, et al., 2001). Since advanced glycation end-products have been found to be related to complications in diabetes and diabetes is highly related to cardiovascular disease, more research regarding these relationships may be helpful.

Finally, the Disposable Soma Theory (Note: This link will open in a new browser window which you can close to return here) suggests that we can't invest the necessary resources to repair the damage that is done from free radicals and glycosylation because it would drain resources away from other essential physiological processes.

These theories help to explain why some of the alterations that occur with age may be inevitable, but that, by targeting some of the underlying mechanisms, we may be able to modify or delay their occurrence or minimize their impact.