As we grow older, fatty deposits, also known as atherosclerotic plaques, can build up in the walls of our blood vessels. These plaques make the vessel walls weaker and narrower, which increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Scientists have now investigated how aged cells, also known as senescent cells, contribute to the formation of unwanted blood clots in these plaques.
Senescent cells are cells that no longer divide and often spread a harmful environment. In arteries with plaques, these old cells appear to cause blood clots to form more quickly. These clots can increase the vulnerability of the plaques, making them more likely to rupture. This rupture can lead to serious cardiovascular problems.
Interestingly, the same senescent cells that cause clumps also play an important role in maintaining the structure of the plaques. This makes it difficult to simply remove them, as doing so could reduce the stability of the vessel wall. Therefore, the focus is mainly on preventing these plaques from developing.
Healthy lifestyle choices, such as adequate exercise and a balanced diet, can help to slow down the formation of plaques and the ageing of cells. Prevention is therefore essential to avoid serious cardiovascular disease at a later age.
These insights increase our understanding of how the body ages and highlight the importance of a healthy lifestyle to limit vascular problems.
Source: Reason
