The study, published in Circulation Research, suggests that the Lateral Parafacial Region (LPF)—a small area in the lower brain—may trigger blood vessel constriction, leading to elevated blood pressure. Traditionally, hypertension has been attributed mainly to lifestyle factors such as obesity, stress, poor diet, and alcohol use.
High blood pressure is defined as a reading above 120/80 mmHg, and doctors warn it can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, dementia, and other serious health problems.
Brain Activity Linked to Everyday Actions
The researchers found that the LPF becomes active during routine activities such as laughing, coughing, or exercising, and when stimulated, it can cause blood vessels to narrow. This response may raise blood pressure even in people who otherwise live healthy lives.
The LPF is part of the brain’s oldest region and controls automatic bodily functions like breathing, digestion, and heart rate.
New Mechanism Behind Hypertension
The study also found that the LPF connects to nerves that tighten blood vessels, directly contributing to high blood pressure. This discovery suggests that certain breathing patterns, especially those involving strong abdominal muscle contractions, may trigger hypertension.
Experts say that identifying such patterns in patients could help pinpoint the cause of high blood pressure and guide more targeted treatment.
Potential for New Treatments
While lifestyle factors remain key drivers of hypertension, the researchers believe this discovery could open the door to treatments that target brain mechanisms—especially for patients whose blood pressure remains high despite diet and stress control.
However, the study was conducted in rats, and scientists will need to confirm the findings in humans before clinical applications can be developed.
Researchers Confirm Brain Link
Lead researcher Professor Julian Paton, director of Manaaki Manawa, Centre for Heart Research at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, said:
“We’ve unearthed a new region of the brain that is causing high blood pressure. Yes, the brain is to blame for hypertension!”
He added that when the team inactivated the LPF, blood pressure dropped to normal levels.
The discovery provides a new perspective on hypertension, suggesting that it may not only be a lifestyle-related condition but also a neurological one—potentially transforming how the disease is understood and treated.