fig3

Figure 3. The hallmarks of cardiovascular aging. Increases in oxidative stress and chronic, low-grade inflammation leading to declines in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability are established mechanisms of vascular dysfunction with aging. The hallmarks of cardiovascular aging, including cellular senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction, contribute to the development of vascular dysfunction in part by promoting these mechanisms. These hallmarks may also exert some of their effects by directly or indirectly influencing the circulating milieu (i.e., circulating factors).