A recent study by Brazilian researchers has revealed that high blood pressure, or hypertension, not only affects blood vessels but also hardens the bronchi in the lungs. This hardening increases airway resistance and reduces respiratory capacity.
The study involved 731 participants aged 60 and older, both with and without hypertension. Its aim was to explore how high blood pressure impacts lung function. The findings are detailed in an article published in the journal Advances in Respiratory Medicine.
Rodolfo de Paula Vieira, the study’s lead author and head of the Pulmonary Immunology and Exercise Laboratory at the Federal University of São Paulo’s Institute of Science and Technology, stated, “Our analysis showed that individuals who engage in regular physical activities seem to be partially shielded from bronchi hardening.”
The researchers conducted spirometry tests to evaluate respiratory function and used impulse oscillometry, a method that employs sound waves to measure how easily air flows in and out of the lungs during normal breathing. They also assessed general muscle strength with a hand grip dynamometer and measured respiratory muscle strength with a manovacuometer to evaluate maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure. Participants completed questionnaires about their physical activity levels and quality of life.
Vieira emphasized the importance of evaluating lung function in patients with high blood pressure, which affects approximately 1 billion people globally. He noted, “Hypertension has long been known to impair lung function, but the underlying mechanism was not fully understood until now. Our findings suggest that doctors should refer patients with high blood pressure for lung function tests, particularly older patients, and encourage them to maintain an active lifestyle to prevent lung function decline.”
Previous research has shown a close link between lung function and the ability of the lungs to expand and contract. This ability tends to decline more significantly in older patients with hypertension. Vieira explained, “While changes in lung mechanics are a natural part of aging, this study indicates that hypertension accelerates bronchi hardening, and regular physical exercise helps mitigate this process.”
He added, “As bronchi become stiffer, it becomes increasingly difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs. Over time, this accelerated hardening can lead to breathing difficulties for older adults. Furthermore, reduced oxygen saturation can speed up aging throughout the body.”
The implications extend beyond respiratory issues. “Accelerated aging heightens the risk of various chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, heart attack, and thrombosis. This underscores the need for comprehensive lung care in hypertension treatment,” Vieira concluded.
Related topics:
- A Survey on Hypotension Management in Preterm Neonates: Insights From Indian NICUs
- Orthostatic Hypotension Vs Bppv: What Is The Difference
- Intervention to Reduce Sedentary Behavior Among Desk Workers Did Not Lower Blood Pressure