Little proof sunbathing cuts heart attack risk

Conclusion This laboratory study has found that UVA exposure caused a short-term drop in blood pressure and an increase in blood flow. The researchers believe that this is as a result of nitric oxide being released from the skin into the bloodstream. However, the researchers' assertion that this study "has significant public health implications" is open to question. Such a bold statement should probably only be made if further controlled studies are carried out to see whether UVA exposure can reduce the risk of death as a result of cardiovascular disease, and whether UVA exposure can reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension (all the people in this study had normal blood pressure). It would be important to assess what the optimum amount of sunlight exposure is to balance out the well-documented risks of skin cancer. It would also be imperative to see if similar results are achieved when sunscreen is applied to the skin. If so, that would be a win-win – all the benefits without any of the risk. Currently, the official advice regarding the prevention of high blood pressure and safe sunlight exposure remains unchanged.    Analysis by Bazian. Edited by NHS Choices. Follow Behind the Headlines on Twitter. Links To The Headlines Sunbathing 'can cut risk of heart attacks and strokes'. Metro, January 20 2014 Sunbathing may be better for us than previously thought, as new research claims that it might help lower blood pressure. The Independent, January 20 2...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Heart/lungs Lifestyle/exercise Cancer Source Type: news