UPDATE: New research from UNT Health Fort Worth reveals that wearing heated pants may significantly lower blood pressure for older adults. This urgent breakthrough could offer hope to the nearly 120 million American adults struggling with hypertension, a condition that contributes to over 664,000 deaths annually in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In a study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, researchers tested the effects of heat therapy by having a group of 19 adults, aged 55 to 80, wear specially designed heated pants for an hour a day, four days a week. After just eight weeks, participants showed a remarkable decrease in systolic blood pressure by approximately 5 points. This finding is particularly significant, given that only one in four individuals with high blood pressure in the U.S. have it under control.
Dr. Amit Khera, a cardiologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, commented on the study’s implications. He noted, “This is an important proof-of-concept study,” emphasizing that while heat therapy should not replace blood pressure medications, it could serve as a valuable adjunctive treatment for heart diseases.
The study involved participants wearing pants lined with tubes that circulated water heated to nearly 124 degrees Fahrenheit, raising skin temperatures to about 104 degrees. A control group wore pants with water heated to a milder 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Blood pressure and vascular health were monitored before and after the study, revealing significant improvements in blood flow among those wearing the heated pants.
Scott Romero, the lead researcher, noted the cardiovascular responses to heat closely mimic exercise, which may explain the positive outcomes. “The crazy thing is, the cardiovascular responses to heat exposure are almost identical to exercise,” he stated.
The potential for heat therapy is particularly relevant in Texas, where approximately 32% of adults report having high blood pressure. The research aims to provide a feasible way for older adults to manage their blood pressure and acclimate to heat, particularly during the sweltering summer months when heat-related illnesses spike.
Romero and his team are committed to further exploring the biological mechanisms behind these benefits. They aim to determine how long the improvements last and how they might apply to individuals with diagnosed hypertension.
As 2024 approaches, projections indicate that up to 246 million older adults could face dangerous heat levels by 2050. The researchers hope that by making heat therapy more accessible, they can help mitigate the risks associated with heat exposure.
This groundbreaking study opens the door for innovative approaches to managing high blood pressure, offering a potentially life-saving alternative for millions. As further research unfolds, the medical community will be watching closely for developments in this promising area of health therapy.
