Learn your vascular age to know the right hypertension treatment
University Hospital Sharjah (UHS) has conducted a hypertension campaign by hosting free sessions for over 75 visitors in one day to determine their vascular age and increase awareness of the causes, risks and treatment for high blood pressure.
This annual event provided UHS with the opportunity to mobilise around central blood pressure and vascular age to help participants make healthy lifestyle choices. While chronological age is the actual amount of time the person has been alive, vascular age is determined through enhanced blood pressure techniques.
Dr Mohamed Seif, consultant cardiologist at UHS, explained: “Central blood pressure is different than the traditional measurement of blood pressure (peripheral) that has been used for a hundred years. Instead, it focuses on the major vessels that come directly from the heart. Assessing this blood pressure is more predictive of future outcomes.”
In younger people, the elastic fibres in blood vessels stretch by 10 per cent with each heartbeat which can result in premature material fatigue. Because elastin is produced slowly, the body replaces it with collagen, a stiffer material, resulting in the hardening of the arteries.
“In several examples, people who had multiple cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking habits and lack of exercise, have stiffer arteries. One man who was 40 years old had the arteries of a 55 year old. This was a learning moment for him and those with higher discrepancies between their chronological age and their vascular age. Our doctors explained the meaning behind these figures and what lifestyle changes are necessary,” added Dr Seif.
The campaign began by measuring the height, weight, central blood pressure, peripheral blood pressure, blood sugar and vascular age of each participant. The process for determining these results is fast, efficient and accurate. A cuff was placed on the upper arm of every participant. After five minutes, their central
A diet that does not focus on changing the quantity but the quality of foods is essential for cardiovascular health. The two enemies for us are sugar and salt. A balanced diet of fruits and vegetables will improve arterial health.” Dr Mohamed Seif, consultant cardiologist, UHS
blood pressure and vascular age were measured automatically. The free tests were followed up with a briefing from a UHS doctor, providing a detailed explanation of their findings.
Vascular age is calculated using pulse wave velocity (PWV) — measured in metre per second. After measurement, the personal arterial health is compared with the average of your age group. The greater the PWV, the ‘older’ your vascular age becomes. It does not depend on your chronological age. It may match it or be significantly higher or lower.
This information provided direct insight into any increased risks of stroke or heart attack, showing the most accurate and up-to-date readings of arterial health. This knowledge provides medical health professionals with a better basis for deciding whether a person needs to start treatment or whether an existing treatment should be corrected or stopped.
Part of UHS’s goal was improved awareness of the common risk factors as well as making healthy lifestyle choices in advance.
“A diet that does not focus on changing the quantity but the quality of foods is essential for cardiovascular health. The two enemies for us are the white powders: sugar and salt. Their reduction combined with a more balanced diet of fruits and vegetables will improve your arterial health,” suggested Dr Seif.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com