Page 6 - Seniorstoday June 2022 Issue

Cover Story

Ageing and your

Cardiovascular System

Senescence stealthily slithers up on each and every one of us. It is un-
avoidable, but with careful monitoring it is possible to treat its effect on
the cardiovascular system, writes Dr Eric Borges

“Ageing is an issue of mind over matter. If a rise in the systolic BP which in turn
you don’t mind it doesn’t matter.” —Mark causes further damage to the blood vessel,
Twain impairs organ blood flow and forces the
The humour in this quote sidesteps the heart muscle to do more work causing an
grim reality of the ravages of ageing on the inordinate strain. It must be emphasised
cardiovascular system. that there may be no symptoms to alert
Senescence stealthily slithers up on each an individual to this process and hence
and every one of us. It is unavoidable, but occasional measurement of BP is advisable
with careful monitoring it is possible to to nip the problem in the bud.
recognise, minimise and sometimes treat its
effect on the cardiovascular system.
Senescence affects the blood vessels, the
heart muscle, some heart valves and the
electricity generating and conduction
system of the heart.

Ageing of the Blood Vessels:
As a consequence of Ageing there is loss of
Elasticity of the blood vessel wall in large
and medium sized arteries. This causes Check your BP regularly at home

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