Vasoconstriction is the narrowing/constricting of blood vessels, which happens when smooth muscles in blood vessel walls tighten.
It’s a normal process that helps the body stay in a healthy balance.
Reasons why it may happen include:
- Loss of body heat in cold temperatures
- Organs needing more nutrients and oxygen
- Blood pressure needs to increase or stabilize
- Blood distribution throughout the body needs to be controlled
- The body needs protection against blood and fluid loss
Abnormal vasoconstriction may trigger health conditions like:
- High blood pressure
- Headache pain
This type of vasoconstriction may be due to drugs and foods like caffeine and salt.
Blood Pressure
Vasoconstriction reduces the space inside affected blood vessels. Think of it like drinking through a thin straw.
Abnormal vasoconstriction can worsen high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and a stroke if it becomes a chronic condition.
Certain drugs or medical conditions can cause too much vasoconstriction and make it happen in parts where it shouldn’t take place like the brain.
Foods
The following types of foods can increase the chances of vasoconstriction:
- High sodium foods
- Deli meat
- Packaged and fast foods
- Canned soups
- Alcohol
Headaches
Vasoconstriction can help and hurt when it comes to headaches. Headaches and migraines can be set off by enlarged blood vessels.
Headache medicine often causes vasoconstriction which helps blood vessels stop excess blood flow through constriction.
This is why headache medicine sometimes includes caffeine as an ingredient. However, this may also cause headaches.
Caffeine may cause excess vasoconstriction, which can trigger a headache or migraine.
Takeaways
Vasoconstriction is necessary to keep a balanced system. It maintains healthy blood flow and keeps the body from getting too cold.
It raises blood pressure when needed. It may reduce blood loss when injured.
It is only harmful when abnormal vasoconstriction happens; in those cases, consult a doctor on how to avoid these situations and stay healthy.