title: [Vascular aging, arterial hypertension and physical activity].
abstract: The present review delineates the significance of intima-media-thickness, arterial stiffness and endothelial function for vascular aging. There is profound evidence for an increase in intima-media-thickness and vascular stiffness not only during healthy aging but induced also by cardiovascular risk factors. There is a central role of arterial hypertension for this progression in both structural factors. In addition, both parameters are strongly associated with cardiovascular risk. Endothelial function measured as postischemic flow-mediated vasodilatation is a functional parameter which is decreased both in healthy aging and by cardiovascular risk factors. Physical activity modifies the influence of aging and risk factors on endothelial function. A positive influence of endurance exercise on vascular stiffness and endothelial function has been demonstrated in numerous studies. In long-term studies, regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the progression of intima-media-thickness. Thus, arterial hypertension accelerates vascular aging, while physical activity has a positive influence on a variety of vascular parameters associated with vascular aging.
authors: Institut für Sport und Sportwissenschaften, Bereich Sportmedizin, Universität Basel. arno.schmidt-trucksaess@unibas.ch
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Schmidt-Trucksäss
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Weisser
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology*; D001158:Arteries / Q000473:pathology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000473:pathology*; D009043:Motor Activity; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000473:pathology*