The next three Memos before Christmas will identify the three major stressors of aging as I see them and the general solution to them. The first stressor of aging is the changes to the cardiovascular system (CV). Cells wear out in all systems at all ages, but there are some that stop replacing and repairing themselves in the CV. A few examples:

• The sino-atrial node is the pacemaker of the heart. As we get older, some of the specialized nerve cells of this area are not replaced. That can cause abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation.

• The arteries can become less pliable, called arteriosclerosis, which can cause an increase in blood pressure. (Atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in arteries, can be considered a special type of arteriosclerosis and can happen at any age depending on genetics and lifestyle.)

• The heart muscle can get damaged and be replaced with scar tissue. That automatically weakens the heart, which pumps less blood (called the ejection fraction) and reduces fitness levels.

The solution? CV exercise, also called aerobic exercise: walking, riding an exercise bike, swimming or water aerobics, or pulling a sleigh (just checking to make sure you’re reading.) It doesn’t matter which mode you choose as long as you move your body for 30 to 45 minutes per day most days of the week. You can’t reverse every effect of aging on the CV and other systems, but nothing impacts every system of the body like exercise does. Aging with a vengeance requires aerobic exercise within the limitations you currently have, and the younger you start, the more successful you’ll be.

What are you prepared to do today?

        Dr. Chet