Fact 5: Role of Lifestyle Factors
Small vessel disease doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Like many health conditions, lifestyle factors play a significant role in the development and progression of SVD. Unhealthy habits such as smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption can all contribute to small vessel disease.
Smoking, for instance, is known to damage the lining of blood vessels, leading to hardening and narrowing. This effect can be particularly severe in the small blood vessels. Similarly, a diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, impeding blood flow.
Physical activity plays a pivotal role in maintaining the health of blood vessels. Regular exercise helps improve blood circulation, reduces blood pressure, and helps maintain a healthy weight. A sedentary lifestyle, on the other hand, can contribute to obesity and high blood pressure, both risk factors for small vessel disease. (5)
