Accelerated peripheral vascular aging in pseudoxanthoma elasticum – proof of concept for arterial calcification-induced cardiovascular disease

1062 AGING In 1903, the German pathologist Mönckeberg described typical concentric calcifications in the medial arterial wall as a distinct phenomenon from atherosclerotic plaques. These medial arterial calcifications (MAC) have long been considered as innocent normal aging. Current treatments for cardiovascular disease target luminal thrombosis and atherosclerosis in the intimal layer. Despite widespread preventative efforts, residual cardiovascular disease burden remains high. We hypothesize that arterial calcification, especially in the medial arterial layer [1], contributes to this residual cardiovascular risk.