Beschreibung:
<jats:sec><jats:title>Objectives</jats:title><jats:p> The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of ageing on the cardiovascular system of healthy adult cats. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Methods</jats:title><jats:p> Six experimental cats were used. Echocardiography and measurements of systolic blood pressure (SBP) were performed every year for 8 years (from 1 year of age to 8 years of age) in all cats. Age-related changes to left ventricular (LV) structures, LV systolic and diastolic function, and SBP were assessed. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results</jats:title><jats:p> There were no significant changes in LV structures and SBP. Peak longitudinal strain rate during systole was decreased at 8 years of age, and peak longitudinal strain rate during diastole was decreased from 6 years of age. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusions and relevance</jats:title><jats:p> This study revealed that some measures of cardiac function recorded in six healthy cats from 1 to 8 years of age were affected as the cats got older; however, there were no structural changes or changes in measurements that are routinely assessed in clinical practice. </jats:p></jats:sec>