What is Vascular Age?
Vascular age is a concept used to assess a person’s arterial health (blood flow in the capillaries). It refers to a person’s arterial stiffness and elasticity (flexibility). As we age, our arteries can stiffen and lose elasticity. Vascular age determination aims to determine a person’s vascular age by measuring these changes.
How is Vascular Age Determined?
Vascular age is mostly determined through measurements and tests. Two common methods are:
- Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) Measurement: PWV, also referred to as pulse-wave velocity, measures how fast a pressure wave starting from the heart travels through the arteries. A slower PWV may indicate that the arteries are hardening and losing elasticity. The calculation of vascular age is done in conjunction with this measurement.
- Blood Pressure and Other Risk Factors: Other cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and smoking habits are usually assessed when determining arterial age. These factors are considered an overall indicator of arterial health.
Why is Vascular Age Important?
- Arterial Health Assessment: Vascular age indicates age-related changes in arterial health. This can help identify arterial stiffness or other vascular diseases at an early stage.
- Risk Assessment: The calculation of vascular age plays an important role in assessing a person’s risk of cardiovascular diseases. High vascular age can increase the risk of events such as heart attack and stroke.
- Health Precautions and Treatment: Determining vascular age can help healthcare professionals recommend individualized treatment and measures. For example, lifestyle changes or medication.
As a result
Vascular age is an effective method used to assess a person’s arterial health and determine their risk of cardiovascular disease. It is important to maintain arterial health through a healthy lifestyle and regular health check-ups. Vascular age measurement can be used as an important tool in this process.
