Red Light May Offer Protection Against Blood Clots, Heart Attack, and Stroke, New Research Suggests
Jakarta, indonesia – A growing body of research indicates that exposure to red light may significantly reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots, potentially offering a novel approach to preventing heart attacks and strokes. Studies,ranging from laboratory experiments on mice to observational data from over 10,000 cataract surgery patients,suggest red light influences platelet behavior and blood clotting mechanisms,aligning with the bodyS natural daily rhythms.
While long recognized for its role in regulating circadian rhythms, light’s impact on blood health is a relatively new area of investigation. the findings are notably relevant given the rising incidence of cardiovascular diseases globally and the search for preventative strategies beyond traditional medical interventions.Individuals at high risk of blood clots, such as cancer patients, may particularly benefit from understanding and potentially utilizing these findings.
Researchers have focused on platelets, the small cell fragments responsible for stopping bleeding but also capable of triggering dangerous clots. Exposure to red light has been linked to lower platelet aggregation and activation, effectively making blood less prone to clotting. The study also revealed a reduction in neutrophil extracellular traps (Nets), the sticky web-like structures released by white blood cells that can ensnare platelets.
Interestingly, platelets exposed to red light exhibited higher levels of healthy fats like oleic acid and linoleic acid, known to decrease platelet “stickiness.” Further analysis of megakaryocytes – the bone marrow cells that produce platelets – showed changes in biological pathways related to inflammation and stress response.
These laboratory findings were bolstered by an analysis of data from more than 10,000 cataract surgery patients. Those who received lenses filtering part of the blue light demonstrated a lower risk of experiencing venous clots throughout their lives, particularly among cancer patients, who face an almost nine-fold increased risk of clots.
Although the patient data is observational and doesn’t definitively prove cause and effect, researchers say the results align with the findings from mouse studies, supporting the idea that blood clotting biology is influenced by the body’s daily rhythms and light exposure.
Further research is needed to determine optimal wavelengths,exposure durations,and practical applications of red light therapy for cardiovascular health.