Effects of smoking and ageing on cardiovascular function

Abstract

Ageing and smoking have both been identified as important risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of these studies was to investigate the effects of ageing and smoking on autonomic and endothelial function. Both factors have been associated with oxidative stress. Consequently, the influence of moderate-dose antioxidant supplementation on several autonomic and endothelial parameters was examined. Methods used include the assessment of cardiovascular responses to sustained isometric handgrip exercise, mental stress, cold pressor testing and reactive hyperaemia and the analysis of plasma levels of thrombomodulin, von Willebrand Factor, C-reactive protein, endothelin-1 and circulating endothelial cells.