Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally and associated with a substantial socioeconomic burden. Oxidative stress is implicated in the development and progression of CVDs, including atherosclerosis, heart failure, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and cardiomyopathy. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play key roles in essential cellular processes and cardiovascular functions; however, increased levels negatively impact the cell function and macromolecules and lead to cell death. Increased ROS can cause endothelial dysfunction, decrease the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO), promote arterial hypertension, provoke inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis, induce hypertrophic signaling, alter myocardial calcium (Ca2+) handling, and promote atherosclerotic plaque formation. In this chapter, the role and underlying mechanisms of oxidative stress in CVDs, with special emphasis on heart failure, atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, arterial hypertension and atrial fibrillation, are presented.