Aging is considered the most important nonmodifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease
and death after age 28 years. Because of demographic changes the world population is
expected to increase to 9 billion by the year 2050 and up to 12 billion by 2100, with several-
fold increases among those 65 years of age and older. Healthy aging and prevention of
aging-related diseases and associated health costs have become part of political agendas
of governments around the world. Atherosclerotic vascular burden increases with age; …