Narrowing of blood vessels is often associated with certain diseases, such as heart disease and heart attacks. In fact, there are other things or conditions that can also cause constriction of blood vessels. Come on, explore what causes it in the following article.
Blood vessels are hose-like organs that are found throughout the body, from the tips of the feet to the tip of the head. The main function of blood vessels is to regulate blood pressure and circulate blood throughout the body.
Naturally, blood vessels can narrow or widen according to the need for blood in the body. This occurs because of the influence of muscle and nerve activity on the walls of blood vessels.
Causes of Narrowing of Blood Vessels
Narrowing of blood vessels can occur naturally when regulating blood supply and blood pressure in certain parts of the body. Blood vessels can also constrict when you are in a cold place or when your body temperature drops drastically.
When blood vessels constrict, the blood supply becomes slower, but the pressure becomes greater. In addition to the factors above, narrowing of blood vessels can also be caused by external factors, including:
1. Certain diseases
One of the diseases that cause constriction of blood vessels is reversible cerebral vascular constriction syndrome (RCVS).
This condition occurs when the muscles in the walls of blood vessels in the brain are disturbed, so they often experience narrowing. This disease often causes headaches that come on suddenly.
2. Hypothermia
The body is exposed to cold temperatures for too long can cause blood vessels to constrict. This condition is also known as hypothermia.
When you are cold, your body shivers to stimulate muscle activity and generate body heat. Constriction of blood vessels serves to keep the body temperature to stay warm.
3. Effects of drugs
There are several types of drugs that can cause side effects in the form of constriction of blood vessels, such as antidepressants, Parkinson's disease drugs, decongestant drugs, immunosuppressants, epinephrine, and migraine medications.
4. Psychological conditions
Psychological conditions, such as stress, can also cause blood vessels to become narrower, affecting blood circulation. This condition usually also affects the performance of the nerves, causing an irregular heartbeat.
Constriction of Blood Vessels and Heart Attack
Narrowing of blood vessels is often considered one of the causes of a heart attack. In fact, heart attacks are not caused by contracting blood vessel muscles (vasoconstriction), but the buildup of plaque, fat, and cholesterol in the blood (atherosclerosis).
This condition can cause blockage of blood vessels, so that the blood supply to the heart becomes reduced. If left untreated, this condition will cause a heart attack characterized by shortness of breath and chest pain (angina pectoris).
Narrowing and blockage of blood vessels can be caused by different things or conditions, so the treatment is not the same.
Therefore, if you feel symptoms of constriction or blockage of blood vessels, such as chest palpitations, headaches, dizziness, chest pain, tingling, to cold sweats, you should immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.