from Scientific Reports
Elasticity of our arteries is gradually reduced by aging, increasing development of cardiovascular diseases. However, a study in the journal Scientific Reports, suggests maintaining significant muscle mass and controlling blood pressure may protect against adverse effects of aging on arteries. Women between sixteen and fifty-eight were included in the measure of arterial stiffness. Those two factors—maintaining muscle mass and controlling blood pressure--were associated with more pliant arteries in women regardless of age. The study found better aerobic fitness and lower body fat percentage were also linked to better arterial health, although age appeared to explain those associations.