Far Infra-Red and the Cardiovascular System
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating Mechanisms for the Beneficial Effects of Far Infra-Red on the Cardiovascular System
IRAS ID
191020
Contact name
Faisel Khan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 29 days
Research summary
Far infra-red (FIR) is an a form of thermal radiation from the sun. In studies, FIR has been shown to improve blood flow in the skin of animals and to reduce failure rates of blood vessels used for access in dialysis patients, independently of the effects of heat. Our group completed a small study in 15 normal healthy volunteers, which also suggested a beneficial effect of FIR on the function of small blood vessels. Thus, while far infra-red irradiation has been shown to have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, the specific mechanisms at work are poorly understood.
This study aims to explore biological mechanisms for the beneficial effect of FIR. Initially, we will give FIR irradiation to a randomised group of 20 normal healthy volunteers and compare functioning of the small blood vessels in the forearm to a group of 20 normal healthy volunteers not receiving active FIR . This will provide an indication of the overall effects of FIR on the cardiovascular system. We will then take blood samples to investigate specific markers of stress on the blood vessels, to establish possible mechanisms for the effects found.
We hope to study patients with vascular disease in the future, with the aim of investigating whether FIR irradiation may be a useful treatment option.
REC name
London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1784
Date of REC Opinion
12 Oct 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion