{"id":5261,"date":"2024-10-10T19:24:49","date_gmt":"2024-10-10T23:24:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/albanyentandallergy.com\/?p=5261"},"modified":"2024-10-10T19:25:19","modified_gmt":"2024-10-10T23:25:19","slug":"new-study-finds-a-connection-between-throat-infections-and-blood-pressure-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/albanyentandallergy.com\/new-study-finds-a-connection-between-throat-infections-and-blood-pressure-issues\/","title":{"rendered":"New Study Finds a Connection Between Throat Infections and Blood Pressure Issues"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When we think of throat symptoms\u2014soreness<\/a>, the feeling of a lump in the throat or a raspy voice\u2014we often consider them short-term problems brought on by a cold or too much singing-along at an Empire Live concert. While this is often the case, a new study found that frequent throat issues may have long-term consequences for blood pressure maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does the Study Say?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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A 2024 study by the University of Southampton observed reduced baroreflex sensitivity in patients with throat symptoms. The baroreflex is responsible for detecting changes in blood pressure and making quick adjustments to the heart rate and blood vessels to keep it steady. Think about that dizzy feeling you sometimes get from standing up too quickly. The baroreflex is what keeps you from passing out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our daily survival depends on the throat’s ability to separate air and food each time we swallow. The throat does this by using reflexes controlled by the vagus nerve\u2014a nerve responsible for carrying signals between the brain, heart and digestive system<\/a>. The researchers in the study believe that reduced baroreflex sensitivity can be explained by the vagus nerve responding to throat infections by prioritizing the protection of the airways over blood pressure regulation. Essentially, your body is pulling resources from blood pressure regulation to address a more immediate problem\u2014breathing through the airways. For patients with chronic throat issues, this can lead to blood pressure issues over time and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does This Mean for Patients With Throat Symptoms?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although the study is fairly new and may require additional research, the results suggest that patients with chronic throat conditions should be monitored for cardiovascular symptoms over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Protect My Throat Health?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best way to protect your throat health is to seek treatment from one of our trusted ENT providers if you experience prolonged or severe throat symptoms, including but not limited to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n