The Effect of the Sun on Blood Pressure: What Science Says

Many people associate sunshine with good mood and well-being. However, the sun may have another surprising benefit for our health: it can lower blood pressure. A groundbreaking study has shown that the UVA rays of the sun can have a direct effect on our blood pressure.

What is UVA Radiation?

Sunlight consists of different types of radiation, including ultraviolet radiation (UV). This can be divided into UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays, which make up about 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth's surface, penetrate deep into the skin. Therefore, they are classified as more risky for the development of skin cancer. While UVB rays are primarily known for vitamin D production, the positive effects of UVA rays on blood pressure have been less researched.

The Study at a Glance

A research group led by Dr. Martin Opländer investigated in a 2009 study how UVA radiation affects the blood pressure of healthy individuals. They found that whole-body exposure to UVA light significantly lowers blood pressure. But how exactly does this work?

The Mechanism Behind Blood Pressure Reduction

The skin contains certain molecules that store nitric oxide (NO). NO is an important messenger in the body that relaxes and dilates blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure. Normally, NO is released through various biological processes, but the study shows that UVA rays can also trigger this process. Under the influence of UVA light, the NO molecules in the skin are released and enter the bloodstream, where they exert their vasodilating effect.

The Results in Detail

The investigation found that after 20 minutes of UVA exposure, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the participants significantly decreased. This effect lasted up to 60 minutes after exposure. The researchers also observed that blood circulation in the participants' arms improved without a significant increase in heart rate. This suggests that UVA radiation has a direct relaxing effect on blood vessels.

What Do These Results Mean for Us?

The discovery that UVA radiation can lower blood pressure opens new perspectives in dealing with hypertension, one of the most common public health issues worldwide. Especially in times when many people avoid the sun due to health risks, moderate sun exposure under medical supervision could be beneficial. Of course, this does not replace medical treatment for hypertension, but it could be a complementary measure.

Conclusion

The sun not only benefits the soul but could also help our cardiovascular system. The study by Dr. Opländer and his team shows that sunlight, particularly UVA radiation, can represent a natural method for lowering blood pressure. However, as with all things in life, the dose makes the poison. A conscious and moderate approach to sun exposure is crucial to benefit from the positive effects without jeopardizing skin health. If you suffer from hypertension, talk to your doctor about whether and how sun exposure could be integrated into your treatment plan.

Source:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19797169/

By Horst Klier. This article is medically reviewed. Last updated (08/2024).
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