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Photo by Kai Pilger via Pexels<\/p>\n
By Stephen Beech<\/p>\n
Bright lights at night raise the risk of a heart attack or stroke<\/a>, suggests a new study.<\/p>\n Researchers found that exposure to higher levels of artificial light pollution after dark are linked to increased stress-related activity in the brain, inflamed arteries and a higher risk of heart disease.<\/p>\n Nighttime light pollution is a nearly universal feature of modern cities.<\/p>\n The first-of-its-kind study reviewed brain scans and satellite images to show a “biological pathway” linking nighttime light exposure to heart disease<\/a>.<\/p>\n Study senior author Dr. Shady Abohashem<\/a> said: \u201cWe know that environmental factors, such as air and noise pollution, can lead to heart disease by affecting our nerves and blood vessels through stress.<\/p>\n “Light pollution is very common; however, we don’t know much about how it affects the heart.\u201d<\/p>\n The study involved 466 adults with an average age of 55 who had neither heart disease or cancer at the outset.<\/p>\n The amount of nighttime light at each participant’s home was measured, as well as stress signals in the brain and signs of artery inflammation on scans.<\/p>\n Photo by Yuting Gao via Pexels<\/p>\n By Talker<\/p>\n During the study period, 79 participants (17%) had major heart problems<\/a>.<\/p>\n All the participants underwent the same combined Positron Emission Tomography\/Computed Tomography (PET\/CT) scans between 2005 and 2008 and followed up to the end of 2018.<\/p>\n Dr. Abohashem, of Massachusetts General Hospital<\/a> and an instructor at Harvard Medical School<\/a>, said, \u201cThis is a routine imaging test at my hospital.<\/p>\n \u201cThe CT portion provides detailed anatomy, while the PET portion reveals metabolic activity in tissues.<\/p>\n “Using both imaging techniques together allows for the measurement of brain stress activity and arterial inflammation in a single scan.\u201d<\/p>\n The analysis found people exposed to higher levels of artificial light at night had higher brain stress activity, blood vessel inflammation and a higher risk of major heart issues.<\/p>\n The greater the artificial night light exposure, the higher the risk of heart disease<\/a> developing.<\/p>\n The risks were higher among participants who lived in areas with additional social or environmental stress, such as high traffic noise or lower neighborhood income.<\/p>\n (American Heart Association via SWNS)<\/p>\n By Talker<\/p>\n Dr. Abohashem said: \u201cWe found a nearly linear relationship between night-time light and heart disease: the more night-light exposure, the higher the risk.<\/p>\n “Even modest increases in nighttime light were linked with higher brain and artery stress.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen the brain perceives stress, it activates signals that can trigger an immune response and inflame the blood vessels.<\/p>\n “Over time, this process can contribute to hardening of the arteries and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.\u201d<\/p>\n To counter the effects of artificial light at night, he suggested that cities could reduce unnecessary outdoor lighting, shield streetlamps or use motion-sensitive lights.<\/p>\n He added: “This research indicates that light pollution is more than just an annoyance; it could also increase the risk of heart disease.<\/p>\n “We hope clinicians and policymakers will consider night-time light exposure when developing prevention strategies.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want to expand this work in larger, more diverse populations, test interventions that reduce night-time light, and explore how reducing light exposure might improve heart health.<\/p>\n “People can limit indoor night-time light, keeping bedrooms dark and avoiding screens such as TVs and personal electronic devices before bed.”<\/p>\n The findings are due to be presented at the annual scientific sessions of the American Heart Association<\/a> (AHA) in New Orleans.<\/p>\n Photo by Andrew Scozzari via Pexels<\/p>\n By Talker<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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