Journal of the American Heart Association. Researchers from the University of Pisa in Italy report that regular physical activity can protect aging blood vessels. The endothelium, or inner lining, of healthy blood vessels produces a substance called nitric oxide to help the blood vessels dilate. As we age, the endothelium does not operate as efficiently, leading to higher risks of cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among men and women in the United States.
The sedentary and active groups of young people both averaged 27 years of age, the older sedentary group averaged 63 years of age, and the older athletic group averaged 66 years of age. When given acetylcholine, a substance which dilates the blood vessels, both groups of young people showed strong dilation responses. Among the older people, however, the athletes showed much greater blood vessel dilation than the sedentary individuals. The study's lead author, Dr. Stefano Taddei, M.D., notes that although the athletes studied were long-distance runners, cyclists and triathletes, it does not take that level of activity to reap benefits. Indeed, a study by the Honolulu Heart Program published in Circulation last year showed that regularly walking more than 1.5 miles a day reduced heart disease risk in older individuals.