The protective role of regular aerobic exercise on vascular function with aging

Aging is the primary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), the leading cause of death in developed and developing societies. Much of this age-associated increase in CVD risk is due to arterial dysfunction, characterized by stiffening of the large elastic arteries and endothelial dysfunction. Aerobic exercise is an evidence-based healthy lifestyle strategy for improving arterial function with aging, in part, by suppressing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Here, we summarize the effects of exercise on arterial function and aging, highlighting recent advancements regarding estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women, cerebrovascular function and healthy lifestyle-inspired interventions that work through similar mechanisms as aerobic exercise.