all of a sudden they have a large increase in arterial dysfunction. Not only do they catch up to the rates of dysfunction in men, they actually exceed it in some instances.”
DuPont has found in her research that genetic deletion of estrogen receptors in older female mice protects them from this arterial stiffness. The mice experience a drop in circulating estrogen with menopause, leaving estrogen receptors unbound.
“Our goal is to figure out some downstream targets of the unbound receptors, which could lead to the development of novel sex-specific therapeutic options,” DuPont adds.
Cholesterol deposits known as plaques can collect on the inside of the arteries throughout life. The body sends white blood cells, and eventually grows a cap of muscle cells over the plaque, which can narrow arteries. This is a problem when a cap ruptures, forming a clot and potentially leading to a heart attack.
It turns out that plaques that are more inflamed — have more white blood cells in them — are more likely to rupture, the Tufts team said. Researchers there have shown that plaques in young female mice are less inflamed than plaques from male mice. That might explain why younger females are protected from heart attacks and strokes.
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How to protect your heart
While aging inevitably brings changes to the heart and arteries, there are steps you can take to promote cardiovascular health as you grow older.
To protect your heart, Lichtenstein recommends eating a diet emphasizing whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fat-free and low-fat dairy products and proteins from fish, lean poultry or plant-based sources like beans, nuts and seeds. It should be limited in salt and added sugar.
“It’s easier than ever to consume a heart-healthy diet,” Lichtenstein notes. “And there’s plenty of flexibility to find a healthy pattern that fits one’s personal preferences and ethnic and cultural background. You shouldn’t feel penalized because you want to develop a healthy dietary pattern.”
It’s also important to avoid smoking, stay active, control stress and get adequate sleep.
You should also regularly monitor and manage your blood pressure to reduce the risk of hypertension and heart disease. Lastly, remember to follow medical advice, including medications, if necessary, to manage conditions like hypertension or high cholesterol.
Aging hearts and arteries are natural parts of the aging process, but they do not have to define your cardiovascular health. By adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, staying active, and seeking medical guidance when needed, you can age with a strong and resilient cardiovascular system, enhancing your overall well-being and enjoying a higher quality of life in your later years. Remember, it’s never too late to start taking care of your heart.