A new study from the University of Southampton has found that people with throat problems may struggle to regulate their blood pressure.
The research, published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, is the first to show that throat issues can reduce baroreflex sensitivity, an important function of the autonomic nervous system.
This system helps control blood pressure by adjusting heart rate and blood vessel tone.
The baroreflex is like a safety mechanism in the body. It keeps us from fainting when we stand up by maintaining stable blood pressure.
However, the researchers found that in people with throat symptoms, this system doesn’t work as well.
The study, led by Professor Reza Nouraei from the University of Southampton, suggests that the vagus nerve, which manages the autonomic nervous system, may prioritize protecting the throat over regulating blood pressure.
The vagus nerve plays a key role in many functions, including controlling heart rate and digestion.
“Our survival depends on the throat separating air and food passages when we swallow,” explained Professor Nouraei.
“The throat uses delicate reflexes to do this, but when these reflexes are disturbed, it can affect how well the body controls blood pressure.”
Throat problems, such as the feeling of a lump in the throat or frequent coughing, can be caused by viral infections like COVID-19 or acid reflux, which irritates the nerves in the throat.
When this happens, the body works harder to protect the airways, but at the cost of blood pressure control.
In the study, researchers compared the heart rates, blood pressure, and baroreflex sensitivity of two groups of patients: 23 with throat-related symptoms (aerodigestive problems) and 30 with digestive symptoms (esophagogastric problems).
Reflux was a common issue in both groups, but those with throat problems had a higher resting heart rate, lower blood pressure, and less effective baroreflex sensitivity.
Professor Nouraei pointed out that since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in patients with throat issues.
The study suggests that reduced baroreflex sensitivity may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, which makes early diagnosis and treatment even more important.
This research highlights the growing interest in the vagus nerve and its connection to overall health. The vagus nerve not only helps regulate blood pressure but also controls many other functions like digestion, breathing, and mood.
“If throat problems are taking up the vagus nerve’s resources, fixing them could help the nerve function better throughout the body,” Professor Nouraei said.
“This study encourages us to think more holistically about patient care. If throat issues are affecting blood pressure and overall health, they deserve more attention.”
The researchers are now planning to study the long-term effects of throat conditions on autonomic health and the potential benefits of treatment.
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