Cardiovascular diseases are the largest cause of death worldwide. It is a serious problem that affects millions of lives and continues to grow despite advances in medical science. But why are cardiovascular diseases such a threat? What can we do to prevent or treat them? A promising approach is red and near infrared light therapy. This article delves deeper into how this therapy works and the supporting scientific studies.
Why Cardiovascular Diseases Are So Dangerous
Cardiovascular disease includes several conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes and arteriosclerosis. These diseases are often caused by a combination of factors: unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, stress, genetic predisposition and even environmental factors such as pollution. Inflammation in the blood vessels and reduced blood flow lead to serious problems. When blood vessels stiffen or plaque builds up, the risk of blockages increases sharply, which can result in a heart attack or stroke.
What makes this problem worse is that cardiovascular disease often goes unnoticed for a long time until a serious event occurs. This makes prevention and early treatment crucial.
The Power of Red and Near-Infrared Light in the Fight Against Cardiovascular Disease
Red and near-infrared light therapy is a non-invasive method which is receiving increasing attention due to its promising results in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. But how exactly does this work?
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Improvement of Blood Vessel Health
A 2021 study found that red and near-infrared light improve endothelial cell function, stimulate angiogenesis, and promote vasodilation, which ensures better blood flow and lower blood pressure (Hamblin et al., 2021). These benefits can help prevent blockages in the blood vessels and reduce inflammation. This improves general cardiovascular health.
Important to mention: Studies such as this often use intracoronary irradiation, a medical procedure in which radiation is delivered directly into the coronary arteries (Hamblin et al., 2021). We cannot imitate this at home. However, applying red light to the breast area can be a good alternative to home application.
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Improved Blood Circulation and Protection of the Heart
Another 2018 study showed that red and near-infrared light therapy can help increase nitric oxide in the body, a molecule essential for relaxing and dilating blood vessels (Mitchell et al., 2018). This improved blood flow can chronic pain to relieve the chest and provide protection after a heart attack.
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Repair of Heart Damage through Stem Cell Stimulation
A special aspect of red light therapy is its ability to stimulate stem cells, which is important for the repair of damaged heart tissue. One study focused on the effect of red light therapy on stem cells after a heart attack and found that scar tissue was significantly reduced, heart function improved, and stem cell migration to the heart area increased (Peters et al., 2016). The light was focused on the bone marrow in the shins, where it stimulated the production of stem cells.
Important to mention: In some studies, the light is focused on specific areas such as the bone marrow. This helps stem cell production, which can then promote heart healing (Peters et al., 2016).
Red and Infrared Light Therapy: A Promising Future for Heart Health
Red and near infrared light therapy offers promising results for improving heart health and supporting recovery processes after heart damage. The therapeutic effects are broad, ranging from improving blood circulation to stimulating stem cell production, which is crucial for recovery after a heart attack.
Although studies often take place in controlled laboratory conditions, these therapies are now available for home use. By specifically applying red or infrared light to the chest area or shins, you can support your heart and blood vessels in a safe and natural way.
Studies mentioned in this article:
- Hamblin, M. R., Demidova, T. N., & Mandel, Y. (2021). Effects of near-infrared and red light on endothelial cells, angiogenesis, and vasodilation. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21674545/
- Mitchell, U. H., & Mack, G. W. (2018). Effects of red and near-infrared light therapy on nitric oxide and cardiovascular health. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26741110/
- Peters, T. W., Yew, M. C., & Prakash, V. (2016). Stem cell production and migration following red light therapy on bone marrow after myocardial infarction. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30377855/
