A new study has just come out that concluded that exposure to blue light is an effective, non-pharmaceutical treatment for high blood pressure. The study also found that this exposure simultaneously reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Published in the European Journal Of Preventative Cardiology, the study exposed participants to 30 minutes of whole-body blue light at approximately 450 nanometers, which is comparable to daily sunlight. The participants were given up to two hours after irradiation with both lights.

The study was carried out by researchers with the University of Surrey and Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf. The experts concluded that exposure to whole-body blue light significantly reduced the systolic blood pressure of participants by almost 8 mmHg, compared to the control light which had no impact.

In addition, the exposure improved other cardiovascular risk markers, including reduction of arterial stiffness and increasing blood vessel relaxation. On top of that, they found that exposure to blue light increased levels of nitric oxide which is an important signaling molecule that protects the cardiovascular system.

“Exposure to blue light provides an innovative method to precisely control blood pressure without drugs,” said Christian Heiss, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Surrey and NHS consultant. “Wearable blue light sources could make continued exposure to light possible and practical. This would be particularly helpful to those whose blood pressure is not easily controlled by medication, such as older people.”

These findings are huge because it can help make strides in preventing cardiovascular disease that affect millions of people worldwide. We applaud these researchers for carrying out a study that could help save countless lives!