In this era of speed and efficiency, the city's transportation network plays an important role in ensuring people's daily mobility and the functioning of the city. However, once the traffic jams, the entire city is paralyzed. Similarly, in the complex "city of life" of the human body, blood vessels act like roads throughout the body, carrying nutrients and oxygen to every cell. Especially for the elderly, the patency of blood vessels is crucial. However, as we age, blood vessels may gradually suffer from the threat of blockage.
This blockage does not occur suddenly, but is a silent, gradual and cumulative process. It can lurk in the bits and pieces of daily life, inadvertently alerting the body. But these signals are often ignored until the problem is too serious to ignore. So, what are these hidden signals in our daily lives, and how does the body alert us to the presence of blocked blood vessels?
A metaphor for heart discomfort - a precursor to blockage of blood vessels
The heart, which acts as the body's "pump", delivers nutrients and oxygen throughout the body through blood vessels. But when a blood vessel is blocked by a blockage, the heart sounds an alarm. Heart discomfort usually manifests as chest tightness, chest pain, and even a rapid or irregular heartbeat. These symptoms can be the result of hardening of the arteries or the formation of blood clots, which can lead to a lack of blood supply to the heart.
The immediate consequence of insufficient blood supply to the heart is a lack of oxygen to the myocardium, which can lead to angina pectoris and even myocardial infarction. Angina pectoris typically presents with chest pain that develops after exercise and is relieved at rest. Myocardial infarction, on the other hand, is characterized by persistent severe chest pain, accompanied by sweating, nausea and other symptoms. A thought-provoking case of an elderly man who was exercising regularly was diagnosed with angina pectoris when he suddenly experienced chest tightness and difficulty breathing during exercise, and was later examined to find severe stenosis of the major coronary arteries.
In addition, it is important to note that not all heart discomfort is a sign of a blocked blood vessel. Other factors such as gastroesophageal reflux, muscle pain, etc., may also cause similar symptoms. Therefore, for heart discomfort, especially new or progressively worsening chest pain, it is important to seek medical attention promptly for a comprehensive cardiac evaluation.
Difficulty when walking - a sign of blockage of blood vessels in the lower extremities
Occlusion of blood vessels in the lower extremities is another important manifestation of vascular occlusion, especially in older people. Leg pain, spasms or even intermittent claudication while walking can be a sign of a blockage of blood vessels in the lower extremities. This condition is usually caused by atherosclerosis of the lower extremities, resulting in poor blood flow and a lack of adequate blood supply to the muscles during exercise.
Clinically, patients with vascular occlusion in the lower extremities will feel leg pain when walking or going upstairs, and the pain will decrease or disappear after rest. This phenomenon is known as intermittent claudication and is typical of arterial disease of the lower extremities. A practical example is an elderly woman who has been suffering from diabetes metabolism for a long time, who initially felt only mild calf pain when walking, but gradually worsened, and finally became difficult to walk even short distances, and was finally diagnosed with lower extremity artery disease.
It is important to realize that the onset of these symptoms is not always slow and gradual. Sometimes, a sudden blockage of a blood vessel (such as due to a blood clot) can cause acute, severe pain with a decrease in the temperature and color of the skin on the legs. Therefore, any new leg discomfort should be taken seriously and medical help should be sought promptly.
Changes in cognitive function - a warning of insufficient blood supply to the brain
There is a strong link between vascular health and cognitive function. Insufficient blood supply to the brain can lead to cognitive decline, such as memory loss, confusion, etc. These symptoms are sometimes mistaken for the normal aging process, but they can actually be early signs of vascular disease in the brain.
Long-term vascular inflammation and arteriosclerosis can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain, affecting neuronal function and the integrity of brain structures. This effect may initially manifest as a mild memory impairment, for example, forgetting recent events or conversations. As the condition progresses, more severe cognitive impairments, such as impaired judgment or reduced language skills, may occur. For example, studies have shown that patients with long-term elevated systemic arterial blood pressure have a higher risk of cognitive decline.
It should be reminded that insufficient blood supply to the brain is not the only cause of cognitive decline. Therefore, in the face of any change in cognitive ability, especially one that occurs rapidly in a short period of time, a comprehensive medical evaluation, including a vascular health examination, should be performed. At the same time, positive lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, healthy diet, and maintaining good social activities, all play an important role in maintaining cerebral vascular health and cognitive function.
Behind the vision problem - a hint of abnormal blood vessels in the fundus
Vision problems in older people may be more than just a change in the prescription of glasses, it can sometimes be a sign of an abnormality in the blood vessels in the fundus. The fundus is the only site that can be directly observed, and the condition of the blood vessels in it reflects the vascular health of the entire body. Symptoms such as decreased vision, blurred visual field, or visual field defects may be related to damage to the blood vessels in the fundus.
Problems with the blood vessels in the fundus can include blockages and bleeding, conditions that can lead to damage to the retina and affect vision. For example, macular degeneration is a common fundus vascular lesion that primarily affects central vision. Patients with long-standing glucose metabolism or elevated systemic arterial blood pressure are more likely to develop such problems.
Regular fundus examinations are important for vision changes. Through fundus examination, it is possible to detect not only eye diseases, but also the condition of blood vessels in the brain and the whole body indirectly. Therefore, vision loss should not be ignored for the elderly, especially if there is no obvious cause. Aggressive interventions, such as blood pressure and blood sugar control, as well as regular eye exams, are essential to prevent and slow vision problems.