The health of our blood vessels plays a major role in aging. As people get older, these vessels often deteriorate, which can lead to serious conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. This is because blood vessels narrow due to the buildup of fatty plaque, which obstructs blood circulation.
In addition to narrowing, blood vessels can also leak, allowing unwanted substances to pass into surrounding tissues. Furthermore, the number of small capillaries needed for the delivery of nutrients decreases, while the muscles surrounding the vessels also weaken. This affects blood pressure and blood flow in the body.
Scientists examine these changes using the so-called ‘features of aging’. One of the most important processes is the accumulation of ‘senescent cells’, also known as senescent cells. These cells contribute to the deterioration of blood vessels and are an important target for potential treatments against vascular aging.
There are already drugs in development that target the removal of these senescent cells, with promising results in the laboratory phase. However, there is still a long way to go before these treatments are widely available. This is due to the strict regulations and expensive studies required to make them safe for humans.
Good care of blood vessels can contribute to healthier aging, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Source: Reason
