Gefäßelastizität

Gefäßelastizität refers to the ability of blood vessels, particularly arteries, to stretch and recoil with each heartbeat. This property is crucial for maintaining blood pressure and ensuring efficient blood flow throughout the body. Arteries have a thick, muscular, and elastic wall structure that allows them to expand when the heart pumps blood into them (systole) and then constrict back to their original shape between beats (diastole).

The elasticity of arteries helps to dampen the pulsatile nature of blood flow from the heart, converting it into a more continuous stream. This buffering effect prevents excessive pressure surges in smaller vessels and ensures a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs. When the heart contracts, the elastic walls of the aorta and major arteries stretch to accommodate the increased volume of blood. As the heart relaxes, the stored elastic energy causes the vessels to recoil, pushing the blood forward and helping to maintain diastolic blood pressure.

With aging, or due to conditions like atherosclerosis, the elasticity of arteries can decrease. This stiffening of the vessels leads to increased pulse pressure, higher systolic blood pressure, and a greater workload on the heart. Reduced Gefäßelastizität is considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, stroke, and heart attack. Medical interventions often aim to preserve or improve vascular elasticity to mitigate these risks.