Evidence for sex differences in cardiovascular aging and adaptive responses to physical activity
- 18 May 2010
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Springer Science and Business Media LLC in European Journal of Applied Physiology
- Vol. 110 (2), 235-246
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-010-1506-7
Abstract
There are considerable data addressing sex-related differences in cardiovascular system aging and disease risk/progression. Sex differences in cardiovascular aging are evident during resting conditions, exercise, and other acute physiological challenges (e.g., orthostasis). In conjunction with these sex-related differences—or perhaps even as an underlying cause—the impact of cardiorespiratory fitness and/or physical activity on the aging cardiovascular system also appears to be sex-specific. Potential mechanisms contributing to sex-related differences in cardiovascular aging and adaptability include changes in sex hormones with age as well as sex differences in baseline fitness and the dose of activity needed to elicit cardiovascular adaptations. The purpose of the present paper is thus to review the primary research regarding sex-specific plasticity of the cardiovascular system to fitness and physical activity in older adults. Specifically, the paper will (1) briefly review known sex differences in cardiovascular aging, (2) detail emerging evidence regarding observed cardiovascular outcomes in investigations of exercise and physical activity in older men versus women, (3) explore mechanisms underlying the differing adaptations to exercise and habitual activity in men versus women, and (4) discuss implications of these findings with respect to chronic disease risk and exercise prescription.Keywords
This publication has 98 references indexed in Scilit:
- Age and sex influence the balance between maximal cardiac output and peripheral vascular reserveJournal of Applied Physiology, 2010
- Sex differences in endothelin-1-mediated vasoconstrictor tone in middle-aged and older adultsAmerican Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 2010
- Recreational Physical Activity and Steroid Hormone Levels in Postmenopausal WomenAmerican Journal of Epidemiology, 2009
- Impact of age, sex, and exercise on brachial artery flow-mediated dilatationAmerican Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, 2009
- Welcoming low testosterone as a cardiovascular risk factorInternational Journal Of Impotence Research, 2009
- Association of cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity with sex steroid hormone levels in US menCancer Causes & Control, 2009
- Exercise training impacts the myocardial metabolism of older individuals in a gender-specific mannerAmerican Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, 2008
- Gender Differences in Hypertension Treatment, Drug Utilization Patterns, and Blood Pressure Control Among US Adults With Hypertension: Data From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004American Journal of Hypertension, 2008
- Effects of Oral Testosterone Treatment on Myocardial Perfusion and Vascular Function in Men With Low Plasma Testosterone and Coronary Heart DiseaseThe American Journal of Cardiology, 2008
- Hypertension in Adults Across the Age SpectrumJAMA, 2005