Stretch 4 Success
Like balloons, healthy blood vessels are flexible, widening and narrowing throughout the day as needed. But when arteries stiffen - due to aging, extra weight, plaque build-up, inactivity or diabetes - blood pressure rises. And so does our risk for heart attack or stroke! The good news is that we might be able to prevent our arteries from stiffening in the first place.
According to Kenta Yamamoto, PhD, of the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, artery walls are made up of the same components as muscles in our hips and backs. So whatever stiffens one will have the same effect on the other. There's evidence that activities that keep big muscles pliant, such as stretching, may also affect artery flexibility. A recent study found that adults who started a program of regular stretching, significantly increased the flexibility of the walls of their carotid artery - which supplies the brain with blood!
The good news is that you can get a sense of whether or not your arteries are supple just by sitting on the floor and doing a sit-and-reach test. Researchers in a study involving over 525 men and women found that those who were the most flexible also had the most supple arteries.
What is the sit-and-reach test? Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you, toes pointed toward the ceiling. Bend forward from your hips and stretch your arms toward your feet. Try to touch your toes. If you can't touch your toes, you may be at increased risk for arterial stiffness.
In addition to having your blood pressure checked at least every other year as a protective measure, you might also choose a pre-emptive measure and limber up your arteries as well as your muscles by doing regular stretching exercises.
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