Blood vessel disease is a grouping of disorders that affect the arteries, including the coronary, carotid and peripheral arteries. The one component that most of these conditions have in common is atherosclerosis, which is characterized as the development of plaque along the arterial walls. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute explains that the plaque narrows the affected blood vessel and can restrict the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your organs. One way to reverse the effects of blood vessel disease is exercise.
Cholesterol
According to Dr. Harvey Simon, editor in chief of "Harvard Men's Health Watch," regular exercise has a significant impact on blood cholesterol, which can contribute to atherosclerosis. Sedentary lifestyles increase low-density lipoproteins or LDL, a form of fat that encourages plaque to form along the arterial walls. At the same time, the lack of physical activity lowers high-density lipoproteins or HDL, a lipid that removes "bad" cholesterol from the blood. By exercising regularly, you lower LDL while increasing HDL, and thereby improve cholesterol and combat atherosclerosis.
Nitric Oxide
Taking part in regular exercises also stimulates the production of nitric oxide, asserts Dr. Simon of "Harvard Men's Health Watch." Nitric oxide improves blood circulation, which can lower your blood pressure. The higher your blood pressure, the more force is being placed on the arterial walls. This can damage the blood vessels and contribute to a hardening and narrowing of the arteries, exacerbating atherosclerosis.
Collateral Vessels
Interestingly enough, exercise is known to encourage the development of collateral blood vessels as well. When plaque thickens and narrows an artery, microscopic blood vessels can enlarge and bypass this obstruction, advises the American Heart Association. These vessels now serve as an alternative route to supply oxygen-rich blood to the once deprived organ or body part, resulting in what's known as collateral circulation.
Time Frame
The Mayo Clinic estimates that the amount exercise needed to help combat blood vessel disease is anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week. No specific type of exercise is needed, so you can engage in any athletic pursuit you enjoy. Swimming, biking, hiking, dancing or cross-country skiing can all help to improve atherosclerosis.
Other Factors
Exercise isn't always enough to reverse blood vessel disease. More often than not, you'll need to make dietary changes to support your increase in physical activity. Lowering your intake of sodium, saturated fat, trans-fatty acid and dietary cholesterol is essential to improve your blood cholesterol and blood pressure. Eating more fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains can also help. If exercise and dietary changes are unable to improve blood cholesterol and blood pressure, most doctors prescribe a medication to bring your numbers into a healthy range.
