The Role of Oxidative Stress in Heart Diseases

Abstract

Toxic effects associated with the production of significant amounts free oxygen radicals at the cellular level are eliminated by the antioxidant defense system within the body. Oxidative stress which arises from insufficiency or failure of this defense system plays an important role in aging and pathogenesis of many diseases. This article revisits the role of oxidative stress in the formation and progression of many heart diseases such as endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart failure, and reperfusion injury.