High blood pressure (hypertension) causes thickening of the blood vessels and hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis). A study has shown that a similar phenomenon occurs in the lungs. High blood pressure hardens the bronchi and increases airway resistance, impairing respiratory capacity.
"Our analysis showed that subjects who practiced regular physical activities appeared to be partially protected against hardening of the bronchi," Rodolfo de Paula Vieira.
Prior research showed that lung function is closely linked to the ability of the lungs to expand and revert to their previous state (elastance and resistance), and that this was most altered in older patients with hypertension.
"Changes in lung mechanics are expected as a natural result of the aging process, but basically the study shows that hypertension accelerates the hardening of the bronchi and that physical exercise keeps this process partially at bay," Vieira explained.
"This is very important as the more hardened the bronchi become, the more difficult it becomes for air to enter and leave the lungs. In the long run, this accelerated process of hardening of the bronchi makes breathing difficult for older people. Worse still, it's a cycle: Lower oxygen saturation accelerates the aging process throughout the organism."
In another study that has not yet been published, the same researchers analyzed the relationship between physical exercise and protection against hardening of the arteries and bronchi due to hypertension, focusing on the extent to which the degree of rigidity could affect blood flow and lead to aneurysms or thrombosis (hemodynamics). The volunteers were submitted to a three-month training protocol comprising three exercise sessions per week.
"Physical exercise all but eliminated these cardiovascular alterations. This proves once again that physical activity must be part of the lives of older people. There's no such thing as healthy aging with sedentarism," Vieira said.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com
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