Blood Vessels

Vascular elasticity, defined as the flexibility and responsiveness of blood vessels, is an important recovery and health marker. Pulse wave analysis directly quantifies vascular elasticity. Nasal breathing increases nitric oxide levels, which promotes vasodilation in blood vessels. Blood vessels are mostly composed of collagen, and the goal of vascular maintenance is to keep them elastic rather than rigid. HDL and LDL together maintain and repair the infrastructure of blood vessels. Brisk walking and interval training provide mechanical and cardiovascular stimuli that preserve vascular flexibility. Interval training is especially important for supporting vascular elasticity. Kaatsu (blood flow restriction training) has been shown to address and improve vascular elasticity, making it a potential tool for both intervention and monitoring.