The cardiovascular system of your body changes with age. Just like our hair and skin changing over the years, the heart to changes. Heat and blood vessels start changing gradually, beginning at the age of 20. This occurs even in healthy cardiovascular systems. This can include a change in heart rate or rhythm, changes to the shape of the heart, thickening of heart valves and blood vessels, and more.
The System And Its Functions
The heart and its blood vessels are called the cardiovascular system. The heart has four chambers – two atria and two ventricles. The right atrium and right ventricle form the right heart, and the left atrium and left ventricle are called the left heart. The various chambers of the heart are separated septa.
How does it function?
- The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body. This blood is pumped to the right ventricle.
- The right ventricle pumps the received deoxygenated blood to the lungs to fill it with oxygen. The right side of the heart also gets rid of carbon dioxide.
- The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs. This is pumped into the left ventricle.
- The left ventricle pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.
Valves guard the flow of blood to and from the heart. Arteries flow out of the heart, branching out to form capillaries and reaching tissues. Capillaries provide oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and receive carbon dioxide back from them. That carbon dioxide is then carried into veins, which return blood to the heart.
The Risk Of Heart Problems
What are the changes that happen to your cardiovascular system? What are the risks?
- The heart has a natural pacemaker, the SA (sinoatrial) node. Fibrous tissue and fat deposits that develop in the SA node can result in slower heartbeats. The natural pacemaker also loses some cells.
- Thickening of the heart chamber can result in reducing its capacity to hold blood. The heart fills at a slower rate due to this. The heart will not be able to pump enough blood for the body.
- Stiffening of the heart valves will narrow the size of the valve, resulting in a condition called valve stenosis. It stops the valve from fully opening, reducing the amount of blood flow. This reduces the heart’s stressor tolerance.
- Changes in Blood vessels – Thickening of capillary walls result in a slower rate of nutrients and waste exchange. Thickening of the main aorta and stiffening and becoming less flexible can result in high blood pressure.
- Changes in Blood – There could be a decrease in the production of neutrophils (a kind of white blood cell). Neutrophils are essential for immunity. A reduction in its production increases the chances of infections. The production of red blood cells during stress or illness could become slow. This leads to a slower response to blood loss and anemia.
What Are The Effects Of These Changes?
A healthy cardiovascular system pumps enough blood for all parts of the body. However, an older heart has to work harder to perform these functions.
What Makes The Heart Work Harder?
- Certain illnesses and Medications
- Stress
- Physical and emotional exertion
- Injuries
An older heart also has higher risks. Cardiovascular changes are normal with aging. However, when combined with risk factors for heart disease, there is a risk of heart failure.
Some of the Risk Factors:
- High Blood Pressure
- Smoking
- High Cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity, and more.
Reducing The Risk
Here are some ways to reduce the risk levels and keep your heart healthy.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet. You have to reduce the amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol.
- Regular Exercise
- Monitor blood sugar
- Quit smoking
- Normal cholesterol and blood pressure check-ups.
- Strictly follow your doctor’s advice on blood pressure, diabetes, and other conditions.
Is My Heart Is Healthy?
If you experience any of the following, seek immediate medical help:
- shortness of breath
- fatigue
- chest pain and other concerning symptoms.
Perform physical exams and lab tests prescribed by your doctor. Some standard tests are:
- ECG or Echocardiogram. This is a heart ultrasound to examine the structure and function of the heart
- MPI or myocardial perfusion imaging. This tests the performance of your heart under stress.
Apart from these, there are several other tests, depending on your medical history and symptoms. Regular monitoring of diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure is crucial. Regular follow-up is a must. Take care of your heart. Live healthily, live happily.