If you exercise regularly, you contribute a lot to the health of your vessels and can therefore prevent arteriosclerosis. We will explain to you which sports are particularly beneficial and which other tips can prevent arteriosclerosis.
In arteriosclerosis , the blood vessels are thickened by deposits. The result: The blood cannot flow through the arteries as well due to the narrowing. Hardening of the arteries poses a serious health risk as, in the worst case, it can lead to a stroke or a heart attack. Risk factors such as obesity, smoking, an unhealthy diet, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hereditary factors and also a lack of exercise usually promote vascular changes.
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This is how sport helps against vascular calcification
A true fountain of youth for your blood vessels is therefore regular exercise. Physical activity protects the heart and blood vessels because blood circulation is stimulated and oxygen supply is improved. In the long run, your blood pressure will drop and your heart will be relieved. When we move, our vessels are stimulated to form the messenger substance endothelium in the walls. This has a relaxing effect on the veins and supports blood pressure regulation. All this protects your vessels from deposits. But which sport is particularly beneficial for the health of your blood vessels? In principle, any form of movement is effective. A daily walk already improves the functions of your blood vessels. If you want to protect yourself against arteriosclerosis as best as possible, you should above allDoing endurance sports , which primarily uses your leg muscles and supports the return transport of blood to the heart by activating the muscle pump.
When jogging, walking, cycling or swimming , our cardiovascular system is in full swing. Physical exertion circulates a higher and faster blood flow. The vessels are stretched and remain elastic. Also, thanks to regular exercise, obesityare significantly reduced and thus a decisive risk factor of arteriosclerosis is reduced. Other vein-friendly sports are dancing, inline skating, fitness training on endurance machines such as a stepper. A tip from the German Society for Phlebology: “If you are being treated with compression therapy, you should also wear your compression stockings when exercising. Because moving the leg muscles increases the effect of the compression and makes the therapy even more effective.”
Atherosclerosis: Be careful with these sports
On the other hand, sports such as tennis, handball or squash , in which you stop abruptly while running, are less suitable . Soccer carries a certain risk of injury, as kicks in the calf that are hardly avoidable can injure important venous valves. Experts also advise against weight lifting and intensive strength training . The high pressure in the abdomen forces the venous blood back into the legs. If you are unsure whether you can continue to practice your favorite sport or how intensively you can train, consult your doctor.
Calcified arteries: how to prevent them
A healthier lifestyle can also help reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis. This includes giving up smoking and aiming for a normal weight. Rely on a healthy and balanced, plant-based diet and avoid saturated fatty acids that are found in animal products such as butter or sausage and promote deposits. Another simpler tip to stimulate blood flow in your vessels: contrast showers and affusions. The temperature change from hot to cold also ensures elastic vessels. Wearing compression stockings (e.g. from Cambivo for 19 euros ) supports the venous valve function so that the blood flow becomes more regular.
