International Journal of Integrative Medical Sciences

140-143

Authors: V. S. Bhagyalakshmi 1, M. V. Sailaja *2, Vijitha 3.

Ageing is a normal physiological process characterized by alterations in cell and tissue structures associated with a reduction in functional capacity-physical, sexual, mental. More than 80% of all deaths due to cardiovascular diseases occur in elderly people above 60 years. Coronary artery disease is also associated with ageing and is likely to involve multiple vessels, mainly left coronary artery and there is a graded and progressive reduction in the homeostatic reserve function of organs and systems. Consistent changes in the autonomic system accompany ageing and influence cardiovascular function. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process of the arterial wall induced by endogenous toxic plasma lipid components; it is a major initiator of thrombosis related to abnormal vascular flow and loss of endothelial vascular integrity. In our study we examined 20 males aged 50 to 70 years with hyper tension, smokers, alcoholic and 20 normal healthy individuals aged between 40 to 49 years are controls. Blood pressure recording was done and Lipid Profile was estimated from the both groups. The SBP and DBP was found to be greater in aged group when compared with control group which can be attributed to changes in large arteries causing stiffness of elastic tissue leads to much thicker and less flexible walls. This causes on increase in the force of ventricular contraction and SBP. The increase in large vessel stiffness plays a central patho physiological role in hypertension in older individuals. The lipid levels of the subjects are greater than the controls. This also as a risk factor for atherosclerosis related with ageing. This is one of the predisposing factors for heart attacks and cerebral strokes. KEY WORDS: Lipid Profile, Atherosclerosis, Endothelium, SBP, DBP, Echo.