Brown atrophy of the heart explained

Brown atrophy of the heart is atrophy of the heart muscle (or myocardium) commonly found in the elderly.^{[1] [2]} It is described as brown because fibers become pigmented by intracellular deposits (mostly around the cell nucleus) of lipofuscin, a type of lipochrome granule.

It has no known effect on function, and is described as being expected or normal in aging.

See also

• Atrophy (relating to all tissues, see Muscle atrophy for atrophy in muscle tissue).
• Xanthosis

Notes and References

1. Ageing of the heart. [review]. British Journal of Biomedical Science. Jun 1998. C. Roffe. 55. 2. 136–148. 10198472 .
2. 10.1002/clc.4960110802. The old-age heart: normal aging changes which can produce or mimic cardiac disease. [review]. Clinical Cardiology. Aug 1988. B F. Waller. 11. 8. 513–517. 3048829 . free.