Vascular health is key to maintaining the normal physiological function of the human body. As we age, blood vessels may gradually lose their elasticity and age, which is known as premature vascular aging. Premature vascular failure not only increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, but may also affect the function of multiple organs.
The dangers of vascular aging
What are they
Atherosclerosis:
Plaque forms on the walls of blood vessels, leading to narrowing of blood vessels and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Hypertension:
The elasticity of blood vessels decreases, leading to impaired blood pressure regulation mechanisms, and long-term high blood pressure can damage organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys.
Coronary heart disease:
Cardiac arteriosclerosis leads to myocardial ischemia, causing chest pain, angina, and in severe cases, myocardial infarction.
Cerebrovascular disease:
The aging of blood vessels in the brain may lead to cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage, leading to stroke.
Peripheral vascular disease:
Blood vessels in the extremities are narrowed or occluded, causing intermittent claudication and, in severe cases, gangrene of the limbs.
In addition to the above-mentioned diseases, vascular aging is also associated with health problems such as pulmonary hypertension, metabolic disorders, and renal failure.
6 "Signals" of Premature Vascular Aging
Cognitive decline in function
Aging of blood vessels may lead to insufficient blood supply to the brain, causing symptoms of cognitive decline such as memory loss and poor concentration.
Weakness or numbness in the limbs
Poor circulation can cause weakness, numbness, or tingling in the limbs, especially after sitting or standing for long periods of time.
Chest tightness or chest pain
Aging of the blood vessels in the heart can lead to insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle, causing chest tightness or chest pain, especially after physical activity.
Leg pain or cramps
Narrowing or blockage of blood vessels in the legs can cause leg pain when walking, which is relieved with rest, a phenomenon known as intermittent claudication.
The skin becomes thinner and the wound heals slowly
Aging of blood vessels can affect the blood supply to the skin, causing the skin to become thinner, less elastic, and slower wound healing.
Fluctuations in blood pressure
Decreased vascular elasticity may lead to fluctuations in blood pressure, particularly increased systolic blood pressure (high pressure) and decreased diastolic blood pressure (low pressure).
Usually do 6 things less
Helps blood vessels age a little more slowly
Smoke less
Smoking is one of the main causes of vascular aging. The harmful substances in tobacco can damage the endothelium of blood vessels and accelerate the hardening of blood vessels.
Drink less alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure, damage the liver, affect fat metabolism, and thus accelerate the aging of blood vessels.
Eat less salty diet
A high-salt diet can lead to an increase in blood pressure and increase the burden on the walls of blood vessels, and a long-term high-salt diet is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Eat less high-fat diet
High-fat foods can increase blood cholesterol levels, leading to atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of clogged blood vessels.
Less sedentary
Being sedentary can slow blood circulation and increase the risk of blood clots, and regular exercise can help keep your blood vessels healthy.
Less stress
Long-term stress can lead to an increase in blood pressure, affecting cardiovascular health. Learning to relax and decompress is essential to prevent premature vascular aging.