health
How to Help the Heart Work Well
When arteries that supply the heart become stiff or inelastic, heart problems arise, and to avoid this, it is important to avoid or stop using all those things that represent risk factors for the occurrence and progression of this phenomenon, stated Professor Dr. Ignatios Ikonomidis, director of echocardiography and laboratory for preventive cardiology at the Greek hospital Atikon and member of the European Society of Cardiology and Heart Failure, for 'Politika'.
TL;DR
- Arterial stiffness occurs when arteries lose elasticity, increasing blood pressure and heart workload, which can lead to heart failure.
- Risk factors include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, poor diet, and genetic predisposition.
- Carbon monoxide from smoking damages blood cells and endothelial function, activating platelets.
- The Mediterranean diet, rich in antioxidants like olive oil, is beneficial for cardiovascular health.
- Quitting smoking is essential, as both nicotine and combustion byproducts negatively affect vascular function.
- While newer tobacco products may produce fewer toxins, long-term studies are needed to confirm reduced cardiovascular events.
- Reducing risk factors can slow down vascular aging beyond biological age.