TLDR Minoxidil treatment increases aorta elasticity and reduces stiffness in aged mice, potentially helping with age-related heart issues.
Chronic treatment with minoxidil improved the function of the aorta in aged mice by inducing the production of new elastic fibers, resulting in increased elasticity and reduced stiffness. The study involved 7 untreated mice and 9 minoxidil-treated mice, and the treatment resulted in a significant difference in wall thickness and improved aortic reactivity. This suggests that minoxidil could be a potential treatment for age-related arterial stiffness and related cardiovascular diseases.
28 citations,
August 2013 in “Hypertension” Potassium channel openers help form elastic fibers in arteries and can treat elastin deficiency and hypertension.
74 citations,
May 2004 in “Journal of Clinical Hypertension” Minoxidil effectively treats severe hypertension, but watch for side effects.
15 citations,
May 1999 in “Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences” Minoxidil may cause heart issues in guinea pigs, suggesting potential harm for users with heart conditions.
33 citations,
November 1994 in “Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics” 
44 citations,
July 1990 in “Journal of the American College of Cardiology” Captopril reduces heart mass, while minoxidil has opposite effects and side effects.
17 citations,
June 2019 in “Cellular signalling” Minoxidil helps protect and rebuild elastic fibers in arteries, improving artery function, especially in older females.
23 citations,
June 2017 in “Rejuvenation Research” Minoxidil treatment increases aorta elasticity and reduces stiffness in aged mice, potentially helping with age-related heart issues.
