About
Aging-related cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, heart failure, stroke, etc., have become the main challenges to global public health, and there is an urgent need to accurately identify their risk factors and develop personalized prevention and treatment strategies. Hence, the primary objective of this study is to investigate the intricate relationship, particularly the causal associations, between a range of candidate factors and the occurrence, progression, and outcomes of aging-related cardiovascular diseases. These factors encompass various aspects such as environmental exposures (air pollution, noise pollution, water quality, etc.), lifestyle factors (physical activity, sleep, diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, etc.), biomarkers (lipids, etc.), clinical factors (periodontitis, autoimmune diseases, medication history, etc.), as well as genetic factors (single nucleotide polymorphisms, etc.).
Furthermore, given the joint influence of environmental and genetic factors on the development of aging-related cardiovascular diseases, we will also explore the intricate interplay between external factors and genetic susceptibility in the pathogenesis of these conditions.
Additionally, it is worth noting that aging-related cardiovascular disease patients have an increased risk of cognitive impairment, which in turn reduces their self-management ability, further exacerbating the progression of cardiovascular disease and establishing a vicious circle. Therefore, this study will also examine the relationship between aging-related cardiovascular diseases, changes in brain structure, and cognitive function. Moreover, we aim to identify risk factors and protective factors associated with cognitive impairment in patients with aging-related cardiovascular diseases.
By investigating these multifaceted aspects, this study endeavors to contribute to the knowledge surrounding aging-related cardiovascular diseases, inform preventive strategies, improve treatment approaches, and enhance patient outcomes. The anticipated duration of this project is three years.