BREAKING: New research from UNT Health Fort Worth reveals that wearing heated pants can significantly lower blood pressure. In a pivotal study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, scientists found that older adults utilizing this at-home heat therapy experienced an average systolic blood pressure drop of around 5 points after just eight weeks.
The urgency of this finding comes as nearly 120 million American adults struggle with high blood pressure, with only one in four managing to control it effectively. In Texas, about 32% of adults have been diagnosed with hypertension, a condition linked to over 664,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Researchers recruited 19 adults, aged 55 to 80, to test this innovative approach. Participants wore pants heated to nearly 124°F for an hour, four days a week. After the trial, those using the heated pants showcased improved blood flow and a notable reduction in systolic blood pressure.
Dr. Amit Khera, a cardiologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, stated, “This is an important proof-of-concept study.” He emphasizes that while heat therapy isn’t a substitute for medication, it could serve as a beneficial adjunct treatment for heart conditions.
The concept of heat therapy isn’t new; studies have shown that hot water immersion can lower blood pressure and enhance immune function. However, the UNT study is groundbreaking in its application of heated clothing, designed to mimic the cardiovascular benefits of traditional exercise—an essential alternative for many older adults who may struggle with physical activity.
Participants experienced a controlled environment, with one group donning heated pants circulating water at 124°F, raising skin temperature to about 104°F. The control group used pants heated to 88°F, which remained comfortable but did not induce sweating. Blood pressure was monitored at various intervals, revealing significant improvements in the heat therapy cohort.
Initial results showed that the heated pants led to enhanced dilation of blood vessels, a crucial factor in cardiovascular health. Romero noted, “The cardiovascular responses to heat exposure are almost identical to exercise,” highlighting the efficacy of heat therapy in clinical populations.
Moving forward, the research team aims to explore the long-term effects of heat therapy, particularly for those diagnosed with hypertension. Dr. Khera remarked on the potential impact: “On a population level, if you treated 100,000 people, a 5-point drop helps.”
Romero and his team are also investigating the mechanisms behind these positive outcomes, as understanding how heat therapy benefits vascular function could revolutionize treatment approaches for hypertension.
As the population ages, the researchers are keen to develop accessible heat therapy solutions for older adults. Romero stated, “Older folks are most at risk for heat-related illnesses, especially in Texas. Our aim is to help these individuals acclimate to heat stress effectively.”
With climate change projected to increase dangerous heat levels, this research is not just timely—it is essential. It holds promise for improving the health and well-being of older Americans, who face heightened risks during extreme weather.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and consider the potential impact of this innovative therapy on hypertension treatment strategies worldwide.
