How is the cardiovascular system affected by aging?

Change is a way of life. Heart failure, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation are common conditions that affect the cardiovascular system as we age.

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Our cardiovascular system faces several challenges. The function and mobility of the muscles decrease as we age. Being active is the only way to slow down muscle loss and maintain our capacity.

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In this blog post, Gauze emphasises how aging affects our cardiovascular system and why an active lifestyle is important for healthy aging.

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How does aging affect our hearts?

Aging is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Many other changes common with aging are affected by modifiable factors of the disease process. Aging is diverse and is identified at

• Molecular level
• Cellular level
• Tissue level
• Organ level
• System level

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Structural and functional changes

Aging of the heart causes deposition of an aging pigment, lipofuscin, which causes degeneration of heart muscles, thickening, and stiffening of valves.

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Structural changes

These occur within the myocardium, cardiac conduction system, and endocardium. These alterations reduce the heart’s pumping capacity and limit its ability to respond to increased demands.

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Structure changes are characterized by:

• Progressive degeneration of cardiac structures.
• Loss of elasticity.
• Fibrosis of the valves of the heart.
• Infiltration with the amyloid.
• Contractility of the heart’s left ventricular wall.

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They reduce the pumping capacity of the heart and affect the structure and function of the muscle.

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Changes that occur in the cardiac functions

• Maximum cardiac output and aerobic capacities are reduced with age.
• Blood pressure, which is the measure of cardiovascular efficiency, usually increases with age.

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Cardiac conduction system

A decrease in heart rate occurs due to.

• A decrease in the number of pacemaker cells (cells causing the heartbeat) in the Sinoatrial node.
• Advancing age increases elastic tissue and collagenous tissue.
• Accumulation of fat around the Sinoatrial node.

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Age-related changes in blood vessels

When the aorta (the main artery of the heart) thickens, it becomes stiff and less flexible. The blood pressure rises, and the heart works hard, causing thickening of the heart muscles. These thickened and stiffened arteries are a major cause of a rise in blood pressure.

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Baroreceptors are mechanoreceptors sensitive to arterial wall stretching control blood pressure. They become less sensitive with aging, and this is why many older adults find it difficult to change positions effortlessly.

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Also, this results in reduced blood pressure (hypotension), which occurs as a person goes from lying or sitting to a standing position

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The walls of the capillaries thicken, which causes a reduction in the exchange of nutrients and waste.

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Plaque and inflammation

As we age, deposits of cholesterol called plaques occur on the inside of the arteries, causing narrowing of the blood vessels and limiting the blood flow. 

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Changes in heart rhythm and blood flow

Change in heart rate is the most notable change of aging in the cardiovascular system.

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Reduction in heart rate is due to changes in the autonomic nervous system, and because of a decrease in the number of cells in the Sinoatrial node.

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It causes a reduction in our performance and aerobic workload.

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Changes in blood

Normal aging reduces total body water, which results in reduced fluid and blood volume in the bloodstream.

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Red blood cells are produced slowly in response to stress or illness

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The number of neutrophils is reduced, and so is the ability to fight off bacteria, making older people more susceptible to infections

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‍What are the effects of changes?

The main function of the heart is to pump blood to all parts of the body, but an old heart may not be able to pump blood efficiently when we make it work hard.

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Some common causes why the heart works hard are

• Medications

• Physical exertion

• Emotional stress

• Injuries

• Infections

• Illness

• Caffeine and other stimulants in the diet

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Common age-related heart problems

Every heart beats 35 million times in a single year and clocks over 2.5 billion heartbeats. With every beat, the heart works hard. As the heart gets older, heart conditions can develop.

• Angina (chest pain in which temporary blood flow reduction occurs), causing shortness of breath with exertion.
• An abnormal heart rhythm called arrhythmia.
• Atherosclerosis hardening of the arteries.
• Congestive heart failure.
• High blood pressure.
• Coronary artery disease.
• Congestive heart failure.
• Heart valve disease.
• Transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

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Keeping the heart healthy as we age

While the effects of aging are inevitable, we can keep our cardiovascular system healthy.

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It is best to modify our diet pattern relying more on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, lean proteins, plant-based sources like beans, nuts, seeds, limiting salt and sugar.

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Improving our lifestyle choices

• Avoiding smoking 
• Staying active 
• Controlling stress 
• Adequate sleep 

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They are a must to maintain a healthy heart and blood vessels as we age.

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Doing exercises prevents obesity and helps manage blood sugar levels in diabetes.

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The key to maintaining a healthy heart as we age is to start healthy habits as early as possible. By making healthy lifestyle choices, managing stress, eating a balanced diet, and staying physically active, we develop good cardiovascular health and ensure a healthier tomorrow.

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Conclusion

Aging is a natural process that we all go through. Making healthy lifestyle choices, managing stress, eating a balanced diet, and staying physically active we support our cardiovascular health. It enhances our quality of life as we enter our senior years and is our investment for a healthier tomorrow.