Intense light and time therapy can boost heart health: Study

The findings of the study were published in the Journal Circulation Research.

"The impact of circadian rhythms on cardiovascular function and disease development is well established," said the study's lead author Tobias Eckle, MD, PhD, professor of anesthesiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. "However, translational preclinical studies targeting the heart's circadian biology are just now emerging and are leading to the development of a novel field of medicine termed circadian medicine."

The study reviewed current circadian medicine research, focusing on the use of intense light therapy following surgery, utilizing light to treat cardiac injury, exploring how cardiovascular disease can differ between men and women and administering drugs at specific times of day to coincide with the body's internal clock to speed healing.

The results showed that when light therapy was used on patients after surgery positive results were observed, including lower levels of troponin, a key protein whose elevation can signal a heart attack or stroke.

The findings indicated that circadian rhythms influence cardiovascular function, with blood pressure and heart rates peaking during the day and dropping at night. Any disruption can worsen heart conditions and could lead to worse cardiovascular disease outcomes including myocardial infarction and heart failure.

Therefore, intense light therapy is used for post-surgery recovery and for guarding against injury, hence, reducing cardiac issues. Light exposure also triggers brain signals that regulate rhythms, stabilizing genes and blocking irregular heart rhythms.

"Circadian rhythms play a crucial role in cardiovascular health, influencing the timing of onset and severity of cardiovascular events and contributing to the healing process from disease. Studies in humans are clearly required. Regarding intense light therapy, chronotherapy and restricted feeding are low-risk strategies that should be tested sooner than later." concluded Eckle.

Reference: Eng H. Lo, Frank M. Faraci. Circadian Mechanisms in Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease. Journal: Circulation Research, 2024; 134 (6): 615 DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.124.324462