Issues with Aging Blood Vessels

Issues with aging blood vessels are something many do not consider as they age. When normal circumstances are present, the heart will provide all areas of the body with adequate amounts of blood, oxygen, and nutrients. As the heart ages, however, increased work loads are often slightly less tolerated due to changes that result in extra pumping ability being reduced.

Common Issues

Angina is a temporary chest pain that occurs when blood flow going to the heart muscle is reduced temporarily. This along with heart attack and shortness of breath when exerted can occur due to coronary artery disease.

Arteriosclerosis is a condition in which the arteries become hardened. This very common condition occurs when fatty plaque deposits accumulate and build up in the blood vessels. As this plaque builds, blood vessels become narrowed and can eventually become completely blocked.

Coronary artery disease is a condition that often occurs due to arteriosclerosis and this condition is relatively common. Older people often experience blood vessel and heart diseases. Common disorders often include orthostatic hypotension and high blood pressure.

Strokes, or transient ischemic attacks may occur because of a disruption of blood flow going to the brain.

Various types of arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms, can occur.

Another condition that is relatively common in elderly people is congestive heart failure. This condition is ten times more common in patients over age 75.

Heart valve diseases often occur. The most common valve diseases that elderly people may experience include narrowing of the aortic valve, or aortic stenosis.

Other Possible Issues

There are other possible issues with aging blood vessels. These may include the following:

Blood clots develop as blood hardens and becomes solid from its liquid state. They form within the heart or inside a blood vessel. If a blood clot does not travel, it is known as a thrombus. It is does travel after breaking loose, it is known as an embolus.

Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot develops in a vein located deep in the patient’s body. The veins located in the thigh and lower leg are most often affected.

Thrombophlebitis is a condition in which a blood clot causes a vein to become inflamed and swollen.

Peripheral artery disease occurs when the arteries responsible for supplying the legs and feet become narrowed. This may result in pain that comes and goes when walking in the legs.

Varicose veins are veins that are twisted, swollen, and in some cases, painful. An abnormal collection of blood has filled them.

Resources

MedlinePlus. (2009). Aging Changes in Organs – Tissues – Cells. Retrieved on November 15, 2010 from MedlinePlus: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/004012.htm

The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. (2007). Changes in the Body. Retrieved on November 15, 2010 from The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: https://merckmanuals.com/home/sec26/ch320/ch320b.html#sec26-ch320-ch320b-192