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A.J. Harewood
Image Credit: Pixabay
What is Cardiovascular Aging?
Cardiovascular aging is the process of age-related changes in the heart and blood vessels that can lead to an increased risk of heart disease. As we age, our hearts become less efficient at pumping blood, leading to a decrease in oxygen and nutrient delivery to vital organs. This can cause a range of health issues, including high blood pressure, stroke, and coronary artery disease. It is important to understand the risks associated with cardiovascular aging so we can take steps to protect our heart health as we age.
The risk of heart disease increases with age, and may be attributed to some of the following conditions:
Increased stiffness of the large arteries (Arteriosclerosis), or hardening of the arteries, which can lead to hypertension or high blood pressure.
The heart rate can slow down due to fibrous tissue and fat deposits that develop in the body’s natural pacemaker system that controls the heartbeat.
Fewer red blood cells are produced due to stress or illness, which can cause anemia.
The heart begins to fill more slowly due to the thickening of the heart wall, which can cause the heart chamber to hold less blood.
Thickening (Aortic Valve Stenosis) of heart valves, which control the direction of blood flow, and the heart wall. This can decrease the heart’s tolerance for exercise and you would have to make efforts to reduce stressors.
The capillaries oxygenate and supply nutrients to the tissues. They also receive carbon dioxide and waste back from the tissues. If those capillary walls thicken, the rate of exchange of nutrients and waste is slowed.
The aorta becomes less flexible and can stiffen, causing high blood pressure, and forcing the heart to work even harder.
Decrease the production of certain white blood cells called neutrophils, which are important to immunity. This can reduce your ability to resist infection.
How Red Light Therapy Can Contribute to Better Heart Health:
A recent study from February 3rd, 2023 from Wiley Online library states that "Red Light Therapy, a form of Photobiomodulation (PBM) treatment mitigated age-associated cardiovascular remodeling and reduced cardiac function, improved neuromuscular coordination, and increased longevity in an experimental animal model."
For aging adults, red light therapy can be especially beneficial as it helps to reduce oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial function. This can help to slow down the aging process and keep hearts healthy for longer. Additionally, it can help to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.
Reducing Risk Factors With Exercise & Nutrition for Cardiovascular Health & Longevity:
Cardiovascular aging is a major health concern for many people, especially as they get older. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk factors associated with age-related heart disease. By making lifestyle changes and taking preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and improve your overall heart health.
Exercise and nutrition are two of the most important areas of focus when it comes to maintaining a healthy heart and living a long life. Regular exercise helps to strengthen the heart muscle, reduce blood pressure, and improve circulation. Eating a heart-healthy diet full of nutrient-rich foods can help to reduce cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and provide essential vitamins and minerals for optimal health.
How Technology Can Help Monitor & Manage Your Heart Health as You Age
As we age, it is important to monitor our heart health and take proactive steps to ensure that our hearts remain healthy. Technology can help us do this in a number of ways. From wearables that track our heart rate and other vital signs, to digital health tools that allow us to monitor our cardiac health from the comfort of our own homes, technology can help us stay on top of our heart health as we age.
Taking Control of Your Cardiac Health
Red Light Therapy stimulates the body’s natural healing processes by helping to reduce inflammation and improve circulation, which can be extremely beneficial to our heart health and overall well-being. Eating healthier and exercising regularly can also contribute to improved cardiovascular health, and by combining these methods with regular checkups with your doctor, you can ensure that your heart remains healthy for years to come.
A.J. Harewood
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