Ageing affects every part of the human body, including the heart—but a groundbreaking study published in Nature Materials suggests the heart’s ageing process might be reversible. Instead of altering heart cells directly, scientists discovered that changing the environment surrounding these cells could significantly influence how they age. This discovery could reshape the understanding of cardiovascular ageing and pave the way for innovative treatments. By focusing on the heart’s cellular surroundings rather than the cells themselves, researchers are opening new possibilities for preventing age-related heart decline and improving heart health as we grow older; potentially extending both lifespan and vitality.Keeping your body fit is still the best plan to keep your heart young. With wise daily decisions and promising science on the horizon, ageing doesn’t necessarily mean weakening—at least, not for your heart.
How the heart’s extracellular matrix could be the hidden driver of heart ageing
Researchers from the Mechanobiology Institute in Singapore have undertaken the study, and it is centered around a lesser-known but extremely important aspect of heart health: the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM is a protein and molecule-based structural framework that exists outside of and supports heart cells (cardiomyocytes). Similar to scaffolding on a building, it supports tissue integrity, enables repair, and relays key biochemical signals.As we get older, the ECM becomes stiffer and less elastic. This stiffening has the potential to impair the function of heart cells, resulting in decreased pumping efficiency and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Age research has long focused on how cells themselves are compromised during ageing. This new study, however, sheds light on the ECM and how it contributes to cellular ageing.
New study shows heart cell ageing can be reversed by changing the ECM
To study the interaction of heart cells with their environment, the Singapore researchers created a high-tech laboratory model called DECIPHER. The new system integrates rat heart tissue and gel that replicates a young or old ECM.Researchers used this model to test how heart cells respond when subjected to various forms of ECM:
- Young cells cultured in an old ECM demonstrated impaired function, lower flexibility, and cellular ageing signs.
- Old cells cultured in a young ECM, on the other hand, started performing similarly to young cells, demonstrating better performance and vitality.
The findings suggest that the extracellular microenvironment is directly responsible for defining the ageing and behaviour of heart cells—perhaps even more than the cells themselves are at a given age.
Why researchers say reversing heart ageing starts outside the cells
Assistant Professor Jennifer Young, who led the study, emphasised the novelty of the approach: “Most ageing research looks only at how cells change. We looked outside the cell, and that changed everything.” This new perspective could redefine how scientists approach age-related conditions. Instead of focusing solely on reversing genetic or intracellular damage, researchers might begin developing therapies that target the extracellular matrix itself—essentially rejuvenating the “soil” in which heart cells grow.
What you can do now to support a younger heart
Here are numerous well-established lifestyle habits that are effective in maintaining heart function and slowing ageing-related decline:Having at least 150 minutes of weekly aerobic activity keeps blood vessels elastic and aids in normal ECM remodeling. You can start slow with walking, or moving more.Get 7–9 hours of restorative sleep each night. Inadequate sleep is associated with high blood pressure, inflammation, and compromised heart function.
- Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol
Tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption promote cardiovascular ageing and compromise the ECM. Avoiding or reducing both can greatly enhance heart health.
Chronic stress is a cause of inflammation and hormonal imbalance that can impact both heart cells and the matrix in which they lie. Meditation, mindfulness, and spending time outside are all effective methods of reducing stress.
Dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean or DASH diet, composed of plentiful fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, lower inflammation and promote overall cardiovascular health.*Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your lifestyle, diet, or treatment plans. Individual health outcomes may vary.Also read | Harvard University expert reveals top 10 drinks that boost liver health and what you should avoid