Baker

Endothelial function is critical in maintaining cardiovascular health. The endothelium, which lines the blood vessels, plays a crucial role in regulating blood flow,blood pressure, and clotting. When the endothelium is damaged or compromised, it can lead to a variety of serious health problems, including atherosclerosis,hypertension, stroke, and heart attack.

While endothelial dysfunction is typically associated with aging and lifestyle factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes, recent 2023 research by Grandys et al, has shown that athletes who engage in high levels of training may also be at risk of developing endothelial dysfunction. This is because high levels of training stress can lead to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and other processes that can damage the endothelium.

The importance of endothelial function in athletes cannot be overstated. Endothelial dysfunction can lead to reduced blood flow to the working muscles, impair exercise performance and recovery, and result in long-term cardiovascular complications such as an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Therefore, it is essential for athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals to be aware of the potential risks associated with high-level training and to take steps to promote endothelial health. This includes regular monitoring of training-related variables such as hormonal and biochemical markers, as well as incorporating recovery interventions such as the use of the Vestims mattress to improve endothelial function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.

The Vestims mattress is a special type of active mattress that uses mild electrical stimulation to enhance blood flow and promote endothelial health. A 2019 study conducted at the University of Saint Marks and St John in Plymouth found that using the Vestims mattress for eight weeks can significantly improve endothelial function in athletes, with a remarkable 197% improvement observed among participants.

The micro stimulation mimics the natural repositioning of healthy, sleeping, humans, which can help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and enhance the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that plays a vital role in regulating blood flow and blood pressure. It is important to note that the significant improvement in endothelial function was obtained without medication, or any changes in lifestyle to include dietary or exercise. Additional improvements in biomarkers included a 336% increase in resting blood flow, an improvement in blood pressure, a reduction in fat and an improvement in the body's ability to maintain the correct body temperature.

Incorporating the use of the Vestims mattress into recovery routines may aid in promoting endothelial health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. However, it is important to emphasize that regular monitoring of training-related variables is still necessary to ensure athletes are not overtraining, and the use of the mattress is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle and a well-balanced training program.

Furthermore, lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, and stress management also play a critical role in endothelial health. A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, while adequate sleep and stress management techniques such as meditation and yoga can also promote endothelial health. Therefore, a holistic approach that includes both training and lifestyle interventions is essential to promote optimal endothelial health in athletes.

In conclusion, promoting endothelial health is essential in maintaining cardiovascular health in athletes. Endothelial dysfunction can lead to reduced blood flow to the working muscles, impair exercise performance and recovery, and result in long-term cardiovascular complications such as an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The use of the Vestims mattress may aid in promoting endothelial health, but a holistic approach that includes both training and lifestyle interventions is necessary to promote optimal endothelial health in athletes.

Pub Med Research

1. Grandys M, Majerczak J, Frolow M, Chlopicki S, Zoladz JA. Training-induced impairment of endothelial function in track and field female athletes. Sci Rep. 2023 Mar 1;13(1):3502. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-30165-2. PMID: 36859449; PMCID: PMC9977863.

2. Baker G, Bloxham S, Laden J, Gush R. Vascular endothelial function is improved after active mattress use. J Wound Care. 2019 Oct 2;28(10):676-682. doi: 10.12968/jowc.2019.28.10.676. PMID: 31600104.