Cardiac Disease

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key factor in the development of many cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, plaque formation (atherosclerosis), and heart failure. Mitochondria produce about 95% of the heart's energy source (ATP). When mitochondria are damaged they can't generate and transfer energy correctly, and will also produce increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to inflammation and cell death. There is growing interest in using mitochondria-targeted therapy to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease.