Near-Infrared Light and Blood Pressure: No Evidence for Clinical Use
There is no evidence from hypertension guidelines or clinical trials supporting near-infrared (NIR) light therapy as a treatment to lower blood pressure. The established hypertension management guidelines do not mention light therapy of any kind as a recommended intervention.
What the Guidelines Actually Recommend
The major international hypertension guidelines consistently recommend evidence-based approaches for blood pressure reduction, none of which include light therapy 1:
Proven Lifestyle Modifications for Blood Pressure Reduction
- Weight reduction to achieve ideal body weight (BMI 20-25 kg/m²), which can reduce BP by approximately 1 mmHg per kg lost 1, 2
- Sodium restriction to <2 g/day, providing 5-10 mmHg systolic reduction 1, 2
- Regular aerobic exercise (30-60 minutes on most days), reducing BP by 4-8 mmHg 1
- Alcohol moderation (≤2 standard drinks/day for men, ≤1.5 for women) 1
- DASH diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which reduces systolic BP by 11.4 mmHg 2
Pharmacological Treatment
When lifestyle modifications are insufficient, evidence-based medications include ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, and thiazide diuretics, with target BP <140/90 mmHg minimum, ideally 120-129/70-79 mmHg 1.
The Evidence Gap for Light Therapy
While far-infrared (FIR) therapy has been studied for cardiovascular conditions, the available evidence does not support NIR light specifically for hypertension 3. Importantly:
- Bright light therapy actually increases blood pressure in hypertensive rats, with more pronounced adverse effects in animals with primary hypertension 4
- Far-infrared therapy differs mechanistically from near-infrared light and has only limited preliminary data suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits through nitric oxide pathways 3
- No major hypertension guideline (International Society of Hypertension, European Society of Cardiology, British Hypertension Society, American Heart Association) recommends any form of light therapy 1
Clinical Bottom Line
Patients with hypertension should not rely on near-infrared light therapy as a blood pressure management strategy. Instead, focus on proven interventions: lifestyle modifications as outlined above, and pharmacological therapy when indicated 1, 2. The 2020 International Society of Hypertension guidelines explicitly state that "large-scale and appropriate clinical trials are required to evaluate the efficacy and safety" of complementary and alternative medicines, and "use of such treatment is not yet supported" 1.
If a patient inquires about light therapy, redirect them toward evidence-based approaches that have demonstrated morbidity and mortality benefits in randomized controlled trials 1.