The aging process severely impacts the cardiovascular system, resulting in several physiological alterations that raise the risk of cardiovascular disease. This article analyzes the influence of aging on the cardiovascular system and offers strategies for individuals to counteract these changes and preserve cardiac health. Also give the answer of how is the cardiovascular system affected by aging.
The heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries make up the circulatory system. The artery system and the heart work together to make sure that all parts of the body get enough blood.
Age-Related Changes in the Cardiovascular System
Heart Muscle Thickening
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic condition that results in the heart muscle’s hypertrophy. Scarring frequently occurs between the cells, as the cardiac muscle cells expand beyond their normal size. The left and right ventricles are the 2 lower chambers of the heart.
As blood arteries harden, the heart needs to work harder to pump blood, which contributes to the thickening of the heart walls. However, this might impair the heart’s capacity to fill correctly during rest (diastole), making the heart less effective over time.
Reduced Heart Rate and Pumping Ability
Bradycardia refers to a heart rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute. For other individuals, this may not result in any issues or symptoms. If you have symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or dizziness, immediately to the emergency room. Your doctor may be able to treat bradycardia by changing drugs that cause it.
Also, the heart may have trouble pumping blood properly because the heart muscle fibers don’t work as well. This can make it harder for the heart to send enough oxygen-rich blood to the body, especially when you’re exercising or feeling stressed.
Arterial Stiffening and Hypertension
Arterial stiffness and hypertension are closely linked in biology. Chronic high blood pressure (BP) can lead to artery wall damage by mechanical stress, endothelial failure, higher inflammation, oxidative stress, and renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) activity.
This plaque (an ornamental tablet) buildup can narrow and harden the vessels, lowering blood flow to important organs, including the heart and brain. Atherosclerosis is a major cause of heart attacks and strokes in older people.
Impaired Blood Vessel Function
Peripheral arterial disease is the lessened passage of blood to a body part other than the brain or heart. It is caused by a narrowed or blocked blood vessel. The main cause is atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of fatty deposits that shrink a blood passage, usually an artery. Previous study has found that damage to blood vessels’ ability to relax may increase the risk of getting atherosclerosis, which may, in turn, increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Consequences of Cardiovascular Aging
As the cardiovascular system ages, it becomes more vulnerable to various diseases and conditions, including:
- Heart Failure: It is a problem that develops when your heart doesn’t pump enough blood for your body’s needs. This may happen if your heart couldn’t fill up with adequate blood. It could also happen when your heart is too weak to pump appropriately.
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Atherosclerosis may impede blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to coronary artery disease. This may induce chest discomfort (angina), shortness of breath, and an increased risk of heart attack. It is the most common type of heart disease in the United States.
- Arrhythmias: It is an issue with the pace or rhythm of your heartbeat. Your heart may beat too rapidly, too slowly, or with an irregular rhythm. It is natural for your heart rate to accelerate up during physical exercise and to settle down when relaxing or sleeping. The loss of cells in the heart’s natural pacemaker can lead to irregular heartbeats, known as arrhythmias. These can range from harmless to life-threatening.
- Stroke: Plaque accumulation in the arteries feeding the brain may lead to strokes, which occur when blood flow to a portion of the brain is stopped or diminished.
Preventing Cardiovascular Decline with Age
Although aging affects the cardiovascular system, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can slow down these changes and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Here are some strategies to maintain heart health as you age:
Regular Physical Activity:
Physical exercise may help lower some of these risk factors by: Lowering blood pressure and triglycerides (a form of fat in the blood) Raising HDL (high density lipoproteins) (“good”) cholesterol levels. Reducing risk of overweight and obesity, when paired with a reduced-calorie diet.
Exercise makes the heart stronger and helps blood vessels stay flexible. It also helps control weight, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol. Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of intense exercise each week, along with activities that build muscle.
Heart-Healthy Diet:
Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats may enhance cardiovascular health. Avoiding excessive salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats is vital for regulating blood pressure and minimizing the risk of atherosclerosis.
Manage Stress:
Studies reveal that the high amounts of cortisol from long-term stress might raise blood cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure. These are common risk factors for heart disease. Stress can also cause changes that lead to plaque buildup in the arteries.
Ongoing stress can harm the heart. Practicing relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help reduce stress and support heart health.
Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol:
Reduces indicators of inflammation and hypercoagulability. Leads to quick improvement in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Reduces the formation of subclinical atherosclerosis and decreases progression as time since cessation lengthens.
Regular Health Screenings:
As you age, it’s vital to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar occasionally. Early detection and therapy of risk factors like hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes may help avert cardiovascular disorders.
Conclusion
The aging process undoubtedly impacts the cardiovascular system, but many of these changes may be avoided by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Older adults can boost their heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease by staying active, eating well, managing stress, and having regular check-ups. Even though we can’t stop aging, taking these steps can lead to a healthier heart and a longer, more active life.