A Fresh Look at How Your Arteries Work
Most of us don’t spend much time thinking about what’s going on inside our bodies — but maybe we should. Your arteries are like internal motorways, carrying oxygen-rich blood from your heart to every organ and tissue. They’re vital to keeping you alive and well. But over the years, these passageways can start to stiffen and narrow. This process, known as arteriosclerosis or “hardening of the arteries,” doesn’t happen overnight — but it can lead to serious health issues if ignored.
What Causes Arteries to Harden?
There isn’t just one cause. High cholesterol is a big one — it can collect on the artery walls, forming plaque that restricts blood flow and causes inflammation. That inflammation can damage the inner lining of your arteries. Age also plays a part. As we get older, arteries naturally lose some of their stretch, making it harder for them to adjust to changes in blood pressure. Other factors like smoking, high blood pressure, poor diet, and lack of exercise can speed things up too.
Why It Matters: The Health Risks You Should Know
Stiffened arteries can set off a chain reaction. When blood has a harder time getting through, the risk of stroke increases if it affects arteries leading to the brain. If it’s your heart that’s impacted, that could mean angina or even a heart attack. In other parts of your body — like your legs — reduced blood flow can lead to peripheral artery disease. And perhaps most concerning: as the arteries get harder, the heart has to work harder, raising the risk of heart failure.
Cardiotech Healthcare: Advanced Testing Without the Fuss
At Cardiotech Healthcare, we offer a simple, non-invasive way to measure the health of your arteries — even before symptoms arise. Our tests go beyond basic blood pressure readings to provide a deeper look:
- Augmentation Index– This evaluates how stiff your arteries are by analyzing how pressure waves reflect back toward the heart. Higher values can suggest added strain on your heart.
- Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV)– This measures the speed at which your blood pressure pulse moves through your arteries. A faster wave often means stiffer arteries, which can indicate elevated cardiovascular risk.
By looking at both of these markers, we can detect early signs of artery hardening and help you take action sooner rather than later.
Learn more about our vascular testing at Cardiotech.ie
Simple Swaps for a Healthier You:
- Think about dialing back on those heavily processed meals and keeping an eye on the saturated fats and salt you’re eating. Small changes here can really add up.
- Get moving! Even a 30-minute walk, a swim, or a bike ride most days can do wonders for your blood pressure and how well your blood circulates. Find something you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine.
- If you’re a smoker, making the decision to quit is huge. It’s one of the most powerful things you can do to protect your arteries from damage.
- Life can get hectic, but finding ways to manage stress isn’t just about feeling better mentally. Things like mindfulness, diving into a hobby, or even just a bit of time in nature can really help your heart and blood vessels too.
- Keep an eye on those key numbers – blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Working with your doctor to keep them in a healthy range is a long-term investment in your artery health.
Looking to the Future: Small Steps, Big Impact
Arteriosclerosis doesn’t happen overnight, but the choices we make today have a real impact down the line. That’s why it’s worth thinking about getting a more detailed picture of your vascular health, like the kind of testing we offer at Cardiotech Healthcare. It can give you valuable insights – and a bit of reassurance – about where things stand.
Want to learn more about your vascular health? You can schedule your vascular ageing test today at Cardiotech.ie.
Your arteries are working hard for you, every single day. Let’s give them the care and attention they deserve.