Understanding the Impact of Aging on Heart Health, According to Local Researchers

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Most people think the heart starts to lose it’s spark as you age.

Many believe that as we age, our hearts lose their vitality; however, researchers at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC in Roanoke, Virginia, have a different perspective.

In a healthy heart, an electrical current naturally stimulates the heart's cells, causing it to beat. Researchers explain that as we age, these cells increase in size and come closer together, ensuring the proper stimulation.

Cellular growth is significant from teenage years to early adulthood, but it accelerates between the ages of 40 and 50. Steven Poelzing, a professor of biomedical engineering at the institute, highlights that as cells grow larger and closer, they become more sensitive. Any disruption, such as inflammation, can lead to abnormal electrical conduction.

Poelzing emphasizes that while aging impacts heart health, existing heart damage, like a minor heart attack, can also contribute to fatigue. It's important to note that a weakened heart is not solely a result of aging.

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Source: WDBJ7
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