Understanding Aging and Arterial Stiffness: Causes, Mitigation Strategies, and Prevention
Aging is associated with several cardiovascular changes, one of the most significant being arterial stiffness. This condition plays a pivotal role in the development of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the causes of arterial stiffness, the strategies to mitigate its effects, and the potential for prevention is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health in older adults.
Causes of Arterial Stiffness
1. Structural Changes in Blood Vessels:
– As individuals age, the elastin fibers within arterial walls degrade, leading to a loss of elasticity (Miyauchi et al., 2008). This structural remodeling causes arteries to become stiffer and less able to accommodate changes in blood flow.
