Understanding How Your Blood Vessels Work

In the previous post, we studied how the heart basically works. In this post, we will further explore the other parts of the body that play a part in the heart’s proper function – the Blood Vessels.

Watch the animated video below to get a better understanding of how the heart, the blood vessels and other parts of the body work together.

Many heart diseases can be traced to a problem that occurred with the blood vessels in the body. Therefore, getting a full grasp of what blood vessels are and how they function is very important. This helps in creating the proper understanding of the significance of a healthy lifestyle and regular medical check-up.

The human body comprise of several types of blood vessels: arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins.

• Arteries and arterioles transport blood that is rich in oxygen away from the heart to the various tissues of the body.
• Venules and veins transport blood that’s oxygen depleted back to the heart.
• Capillaries are the tiniest blood vessels and it is where oxygen – carbon dioxide exchange actually happens.

The blood vessels, which consist of smooth muscle cells, constitute a system of tubes that circulate blood throughout the body. Within these tubes are valves that help the blood travel in a single route.

The blood vessels in your body do not really contract or “beat.” When you feel a pulse beneath your skin, it is because of the heart pumping. Nevertheless, blood vessels can help regulate the flow of blood by becoming more narrow or tightening. They could likewise become wider by dilating.

Don't ignore the health of your blood vessels. 

We usually tend to neglect our blood vessels, however, the fact is that they play a vital role in the development of any disease that the body can contract. For instance, cancer can only keep on growing when new blood vessels are laid down in the tumor. In cardiovascular disease, the health of the blood vessels is very crucial.

As time passes, saturated fat and cholesterol start to collect in the lining of the blood vessels and become a hard plaque. This plaque narrows the path of blood vessels that could at some point result in blockages. When this occurs, the heart needs to work harder to pump blood throughout the body.

Additionally, there are blood vessels that provide the heart with the blood it requires to do its work. When those vessels are clogged, the end result can be a heart attack or a stroke.

It is crucial to do everything you can to keep your blood vessels healthy. This can be done by eating a balanced and healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and rich in unsaturated fat and dietary fiber. You may also help keep them fit by doing regular physical exercise. A couple of healthful options can go a long way in helping you avoid any issues with these critical parts of your body.