Evolution and vascular calcification: Second response to letter to editor

The proposals and questions posed by Leopold [1] in reply to our Letter to the Editor [2] apparently are based on the erroneous assumption that evolution by natural selection shapes the body for health; it does so only to the extent that health promotes reproductive success. Leopold ′s proposal “that vascular calcification co-evolved as a defense mechanism concomitant with the increased prevalence of other systemic diseases now associated with increased longevity”, and the question “why there has not been a co-evolution of an ectopic calcification regression mechanism?” prompt the answer: natural selection is unable to pursue either or both since “it is not interested” in promoting health after the reproductive age.
Source: Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research