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.
In addition, the heart’s beating ability may decline due to reduced response of heart muscle fibers, which can affect the heart’s ability to give adequate oxygen-rich blood to the body, especially during physical exercise or stress.
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 strengthens the heart and enhances blood vessel flexibility. It also helps manage weight, decrease blood pressure, and boost cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of intense activity per week, combined with muscle-strengthening activities.
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. This stress may also create alterations that encourage the formation of plaque deposits in the arteries.
Chronic stress may have a detrimental effect on the cardiovascular system. Engaging in relaxation methods such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing may help lower stress and promote 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 crucial to check your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar periodically. Early diagnosis and control of risk factors including hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes may help avoid cardiovascular illnesses.
Conclusion
The aging process undoubtedly impacts the cardiovascular system, but many of these changes may be avoided by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Older persons may improve their heart health and lower their risk of cardiovascular disease by remaining active, eating healthily, managing stress, and getting regular health exams. While aging cannot be reversed, implementing preventative measures may result in a healthier heart and a longer, more active life.