2024-11-08 10:57:00
The role of an artery is to carry blood from the heart to the organsin order to provide them with oxygen and nutrients what they need. With a caliber of 2.5 centimeters, the aorta is the largest artery. By comparison, arterioles have a diameter ten times smaller. The wall of each artery is lined with muscle fibers, which allows it to contract and distend to better propel blood.
Not all arteries have the same properties. The aorta is particularly elastic. This flexibility allows it to transform the discontinuous blood flow at each contraction of the heart into continuous flow, towards the organs. The brachial artery in the arm, the one on which blood pressure is measured, is more muscular than flexible.
Although it is designed to withstand high pressure, the artery becomes more and more vulnerable as it ages.
Age makes him lose his flexibility
Over the years, a certain arterial stiffness settles down. This arteriosclerosis primarily affects the most elastic arteries, notably the carotids, which irrigate the brain, and the aorta, which leaves the heart towards the abdomen. The artery gradually loses the ability to distend, which makes it more vulnerable.
A normal, healthy artery can become distended, increasing its diameter by 7%. In an elderly person, this distension capacity drops by up to 2%. Professor Athanase Benetos, geriatrician.
The risk factors for arterial stiffness are, according to the classification of Professor Benetos:
An atherosclerotic plaque forms
The mechanism is age-relatedbut also at lifestyle : too rich diet, sedentary lifestyle… Over time, calcium and fats (mainly cholesterol) are deposited on the internal wall of the artery, forming an atherosclerotic plaque. Over time, the wall erodes and microcracks appear.
To seal them, a coagulation process begins: blood platelets and red blood cells aggregate with the already existing plaque. This one thickens and eventually blocks the artery. “This atherosclerosis mainly affects medium-sized arteries such as the femoral artery (in the thigh) or the coronaries,” notes Professor Benetos.
THE main risk factors for atherosclerosis are, according to its classification:
No. 1, excess cholesterol; No. 2, diabetes; No. 3, high blood pressure. Tobacco only makes the situation worse. It weakens the arterial wall and increases the risk of microcracks. “It is the No. 1 factor in complications of atheroma,” estimates the geriatrician.
Blood pressure damages the wall
When the size of the artery narrows or stiffens, the pressure exerted by blood flow on its walls increases during contraction of the heart. We gradually arrive athigh blood pressure. This phenomenon is almost inevitable during aging, but it is aggravated by certain factors such as excess salt, stress, etc.
In the long term, the heart becomes tired and the organs are poorly irrigated. The brain suffers greatly. This explains why hypertension not only increases the risk of cardiovascular events, but also the risk of cognitive decline.
The artery can become blocked
Two phenomena can lead to blockage of an artery:
the atherosclerotic plaque, too cracked, ends up detached; a clot forms from this atherosclerotic plaque.
In both cases, the consequences are serious: stroke, heart attack, arteriopathy of the lower limbs, etc.
The consequences depend on the size of the artery, the territory affected (the heart, the brain, the legs, etc.) and the existence, or not, of a replacement. Professor Athanase Benetos, geriatrician
Indeed, when an artery becomes blocked, other vessels can to a certain extent take over. Provided it is in good condition.
How to check the condition of your arteries?
To screen for arterial stiffness
The blood pressure measurement is a good indicator, as Professor Benetos explains: “in an adult over 40 years old, a high systolic pressure (the first number) associated with a low diastolic pressure (the second number) reveals excessive arterial stiffness. » A point to monitor regularly in self-measurement at home.
The pulse wave velocity measures the speed at which waves propagate along the arterial wall. The doctor places two sensors in two different locations and calculates the offset. The faster the measurement, the stiffer the artery: “at 25 years old, in a healthy person, this velocity is 6 meters/second (m/s). At 65 years old, in the absence of pathology, it is 9 m/s. At 85 years old, in a diabetic, it can reach 25 m/s,” explains Professor Benetos.
To visualize the atherosclerotic plaque
L’duplex ultrasound is the exam of choice. Ultrasound allows you to see the atherosclerotic plaque, its location and its thickness. Doppler indicates the speed of blood flow. All arteries can thus be explored. These examinations are prescribed and reimbursed in the presence of symptoms. Ideally, they should be practiced in prevention to better protect the arteries.
Sources
Interview with Professor Athanase Benetos, geriatrician.
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#Artery #weaken #age
**Interview with Professor Athanase Benetos on Arterial Health and Aging**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Professor Benetos. To start, could you explain the primary functions of arteries in the human body?
**Professor Benetos:** Absolutely. Arteries are crucial vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to various organs, supplying them with the necessary nutrients. The largest artery, the aorta, plays a significant role in this process, while smaller arteries and arterioles help distribute blood throughout the body.
**Editor:** You mentioned that arteries lose flexibility as we age. Can you elaborate on how this stiffness affects our cardiovascular health?
**Professor Benetos:** Yes, over time, arteries can become stiffer due to a condition known as arteriosclerosis. This is particularly pronounced in the more elastic arteries, like the carotids and the aorta. Younger arteries can expand by about 7%, but in older individuals, this capacity can decrease to only 2%. This stiffness can lead to increased blood pressure, which then puts additional strain on the heart and can ultimately compromise organ function.
**Editor:** What lifestyle factors contribute to arterial stiffness and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques?
**Professor Benetos:** Several factors play a role. An unhealthy diet high in cholesterol and fats, a sedentary lifestyle, and contributing risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques in arteries. Over time, this can result in the arteries becoming narrowed or even blocked.
**Editor:** It’s alarming to think about the long-term effects. You mentioned that high blood pressure can also lead to cognitive decline. Can you explain that connection?
**Professor Benetos:** Certainly. High blood pressure not only increases the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes but also affects blood flow to the brain. When the brain is not efficiently perfused, cognitive functions can deteriorate over time, increasing the risk of conditions like dementia.
**Editor:** How can individuals protect their arteries as they age?
**Professor Benetos:** A proactive approach is essential. Maintaining a balanced diet low in saturated fats, regular physical activity, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco use are all critical. Additionally, regular check-ups for blood pressure and cholesterol levels can help identify risks early on.
**Editor:** Thank you, Professor Benetos, for sharing these important insights on arterial health and the impact of aging.
**Professor Benetos:** You’re welcome! It’s vital for everyone to be informed about arterial health as it plays a fundamental role in overall well-being.
