Red Light Therapy for Cardiovascular Health
© Copyright 2025 by Spectra Red Light
One of a series of articles by Spectra Red Light, the manufacturer of the full-body Red Light Therapy bed at Very Well in Baltimore, MD.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality in the United States, accounting for 941,652 deaths in 2022. [1] Red Light Therapy (RLT), also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), is a non-invasive, science-backed modality that supports the body’s natural healing processes at the cellular level. Using specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light, this therapy stimulates biological pathways that are essential for vascular health, energy metabolism, and tissue repair.
This non-invasive modality uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate physiological processes at the cellular level. Originally recognized for its applications in wound healing and musculoskeletal recovery, RLT is now being studied for its broader systemic benefits, including its potential to positively influence cardiovascular function.
Emerging research suggests that RLT supports cardiovascular health by improving mitochondrial efficiency, increasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, enhancing nitric oxide (NO) signaling for vasodilation, reducing chronic inflammation, and mitigating oxidative damage to blood vessels and heart tissue. These biological mechanisms are foundational to vascular integrity, endothelial function, and cardiac performance.
Whether used as part of a wellness routine or as a complementary modality alongside conventional strategies, Red Light Therapy offers a unique, non-pharmaceutical way to support cardiovascular resilience. In the sections that follow, we’ll explore how RLT works, review key scientific findings, and provide guidance on how to safely incorporate this therapy into a holistic heart health routine.
Learn More About Red Light Therapy
Red Light Therapy (RLT), also known as Photobiomodulation (PBM), is a non-invasive modality that utilizes specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate physiological activity at the cellular level. In the context of cardiovascular health, RLT offers a promising avenue for supporting circulatory function, vascular integrity, and cellular energy metabolism.
The therapy typically employs light in the red and near-infrared ranges, which are capable of penetrating the skin and underlying tissues to varying depths. Near-infrared light, in particular, can reach deeper structures such as blood vessels, cardiac muscle, and smooth muscle tissues involved in vascular regulation.
At the core of RLT’s biological mechanism is the absorption of photons by mitochondrial chromophores, especially cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), a crucial enzyme in Complex IV of the electron transport chain. CCO plays a pivotal role in aerobic respiration by catalyzing the transfer of electrons to molecular oxygen, facilitating the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the fundamental unit of cellular energy.
When red or near-infrared light is absorbed, a photochemical reaction occurs that leads to the photodissociation of nitric oxide (NO), which is known to reversibly bind to CCO under stress or hypoxic conditions. By releasing this inhibitory NO, RLT enhances mitochondrial electron flux, restoring optimal function of the respiratory chain and boosting ATP production. In cardiovascular tissues, this increase in ATP availability is critical for cardiomyocyte contractility, vascular tone regulation, and overall cardiac performance.
The release of nitric oxide into surrounding tissues also exerts a powerful vasodilatory effect. NO diffuses into the vascular endothelium, activating guanylate cyclase and increasing levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This cascade leads to relaxation of vascular smooth muscle cells, dilation of blood vessels, and enhanced microcirculation, key processes for optimizing tissue oxygenation and nutrient delivery in the cardiovascular system.
In addition to these energy-related and vasoregulatory mechanisms, Red Light Therapy has been shown to:
Reduce oxidative stress by activating endogenous antioxidant defense systems, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).
Modulate inflammation by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), while promoting the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Stimulate angiogenesis through upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), promoting capillary formation and repair in ischemic or damaged tissue.
These biological actions are especially relevant for individuals seeking to support endothelial function, arterial compliance, and cardiovascular resilience. By leveraging the body’s innate photobiological responses, Red Light Therapy acts as a physiological enhancer, optimizing cellular and vascular performance without the use of pharmaceuticals or invasive procedures.
Red Light Therapy for cardiovascular health represents a unique modality that operates at the cellular and molecular level to promote circulation, energy production, and vascular homeostasis, essential elements in the maintenance of a healthy cardiovascular system.
Key Mechanisms of Action Relevant to Cardiovascular Health
Red Light Therapy (RLT), or photobiomodulation (PBM), exerts its physiological benefits through a series of interrelated biological mechanisms that influence cellular energy production, vascular function, oxidative balance, and inflammation. These mechanisms are particularly relevant in the context of cardiovascular health, where mitochondrial efficiency, nitric oxide bioavailability, and endothelial integrity play foundational roles in systemic circulation and cardiac performance.
ENHANCED MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION AND ATP PRODUCTION
At the core of RLT’s physiological effect is its interaction with the mitochondrial enzyme cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), a component of Complex IV in the electron transport chain (ETC). Red and near-infrared photons are absorbed by CCO, leading to the photodissociation of nitric oxide (NO) that may be bound to the enzyme under conditions of cellular stress. This release of NO unblocks electron flow, allowing for increased mitochondrial respiration and oxygen consumption.
As a result, the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is elevated. ATP is the primary energy currency for cellular processes, and its availability is critical in energy-demanding tissues such as the myocardium (heart muscle) and vascular smooth muscle. Enhanced ATP availability supports efficient cardiomyocyte contraction, vascular tone regulation, and myocardial endurance, contributing to overall cardiovascular performance.
NITRIC OXIDE MODULATION AND VASODILATION
One of the most direct cardiovascular effects of RLT is its ability to modulate nitric oxide (NO) levels. In addition to its role in mitochondrial respiration, NO is a well-established endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) that regulates vascular tone. When released into vascular tissues, NO activates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), which increases levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
This intracellular signaling cascade promotes the relaxation of vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to vasodilation, reduced systemic vascular resistance, and improved peripheral circulation.
Improved endothelial NO availability contributes to:
Enhanced blood flow to cardiac and peripheral tissues.
Reduced blood pressure in hypertensive individuals.
Increased oxygen and nutrient delivery to ischemic areas.
These effects are particularly beneficial in individuals with compromised vascular function, including those with atherosclerosis, hypertension, or microvascular dysfunction.
REDUCTION OF INFLAMMATION IN VASCULAR TISSUES
Chronic, low-grade inflammation is a driving factor in many cardiovascular conditions, including endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and post-infarction remodeling. RLT has been shown to modulate the immune response by reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
Simultaneously, RLT can enhance the expression of anti-inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-10 (IL-10). This shift in the inflammatory profile contributes to:
Protection of the vascular endothelium from injury.
Stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques.
Prevention of fibrotic changes in cardiac tissues.
Through these mechanisms, RLT helps to maintain a balanced immune environment within the cardiovascular system, supporting both short-term recovery and long-term resilience.
MITIGATION OF OXIDATIVE STRESS
Oxidative stress occurs when the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) outpaces the body’s ability to neutralize them with antioxidants, leading to cellular damage. Within the cardiovascular system, oxidative stress contributes to endothelial injury, lipid peroxidation, and myocardial dysfunction.
RLT has been shown to stimulate the activity of intrinsic antioxidant systems, including:
Superoxide dismutase (SOD)
Catalase
Glutathione peroxidase (GPx)
By supporting these enzymatic pathways, RLT helps to:
Reduce lipid and protein oxidation in vascular tissues.
Preserve mitochondrial function.
Prevent ROS-induced damage to endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes.
This antioxidant effect is particularly relevant in conditions such as diabetic vasculopathy, chronic heart failure, and reperfusion injury.
ANGIOGENESIS AND TISSUE REPAIR
Red and near-infrared light stimulate cellular signaling pathways that promote tissue regeneration and vascular repair. A key mechanism involves the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other pro-angiogenic cytokines. VEGF stimulates the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells, essential steps in angiogenesis, the formation of new capillaries.
This angiogenic effect has several cardiovascular implications:
Improved microvascular density in ischemic tissues.
Enhanced collateral circulation following myocardial infarction.
Accelerated recovery of perfusion to damaged or hypoxic regions.
The ability of RLT to promote capillary growth and vascular repair supports the regeneration of compromised tissues and offers potential benefit in post-infarction rehabilitation, peripheral artery disease, and other forms of vascular insufficiency.
Together, these mechanisms highlight the multifaceted role of Red Light Therapy in cardiovascular health. By enhancing cellular energy production, improving vascular function, reducing inflammation and oxidative damage, and stimulating tissue repair, RLT offers a scientifically grounded, non-invasive modality that complements both preventive and supportive cardiovascular care strategies.
Clinical and Preclinical Evidence Supporting Cardiovascular Benefits of Red Light Therapy
A growing body of both preclinical and clinical research supports the use of Red Light Therapy (RLT), or photobiomodulation (PBM), as a modality that may significantly enhance cardiovascular function, vascular regulation, and systemic circulation. Studies across various populations and experimental models reveal that the physiological mechanisms described, mitochondrial stimulation, nitric oxide modulation, anti-inflammatory action, and oxidative stress reduction, translate into observable outcomes relevant to cardiovascular health.
PRECLINICAL EVIDENCE IN CARDIOVASCULAR AGING AND LONGEVITY
In a pivotal study titled Photobiomodulation Therapy Mitigates Cardiovascular Aging and Improves Survival, researchers investigated the systemic impact of PBM on age-related cardiac decline in animal models. The results demonstrated a remarkable reversal of typical degenerative processes seen with aging. As stated in the study:
“PBM treatment mitigated age-associated cardiovascular remodeling and reduced cardiac function, improved neuromuscular coordination, and increased longevity in an experimental animal model. These responses correlate with increased TGF-β1 in circulation.” [2]
This finding is significant because transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) is known to play a regulatory role in tissue remodeling, inflammation, and endothelial function. The increase in circulating TGF-β1 suggests a mechanistic link between PBM and improved cardiovascular integrity, particularly in aging populations.
CLINICAL EVIDENCE IN MICROCIRCULATION AND OCULAR BLOOD FLOW
Though not limited to the cardiovascular system per se, research into red light therapy’s effect on ocular circulation provides further evidence of systemic vascular benefits. A clinical study titled Effect of Red-Light Therapy on Retinal and Choroidal Blood Perfusion in Myopic Children reported that repeated exposure to red light improved blood flow in highly vascularized ocular tissues:
“These findings indicate that RLT can enhance choroidal blood perfusion in myopic children, demonstrating a cumulative effect over time.” [3]
This enhancement in choroidal blood flow is highly relevant, as it reflects the therapy’s ability to improve microvascular perfusion, an essential component of systemic cardiovascular health. The cumulative nature of the effect supports the hypothesis that regular use of PBM may provide sustained vascular benefits through progressive endothelial adaptation and nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation.
SYSTEMIC CARDIOVASCULAR PARAMETERS IN CHRONIC CONDITIONS
A randomized clinical trial titled Changes in Circadian Variations in Blood Pressure, Pain Pressure Threshold and the Elasticity of Tissue after a Whole-Body Photobiomodulation Treatment in Patients with Fibromyalgia adds further evidence of PBM’s systemic effects. The study observed significant physiological changes in subjects receiving whole-body red light therapy:
“Whole-body PBM produces changes in circadian blood pressure, the pain pressure threshold and the elasticity of tissue after a treatment program was carried out.” [4]
In this context, the observed modulation of circadian blood pressure suggests that PBM may influence autonomic regulation and vascular compliance, both of which are critical in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis. While the study population focused on individuals with fibromyalgia, the implications of improved blood pressure variability and vascular tissue elasticity extend directly to cardiovascular applications, particularly in managing hypertension and vascular stiffness.
Integrating Red Light Therapy Into a Holistic Heart Health Routine
PAIRING RLT WITH EXERCISE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Regular aerobic and resistance-based exercise is a cornerstone of cardiovascular health. It promotes vascular shear stress, increases endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity, improves lipid metabolism, and enhances heart rate variability (HRV). When RLT is incorporated before or after exercise sessions, it may amplify these physiological benefits by:
Enhancing mitochondrial respiration and ATP availability in skeletal and cardiac muscle.
Reducing post-exercise oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine expression.
Supporting faster recovery of vascular tone and microcirculatory function.
Research has indicated that PBM applied pre-exercise can improve endurance, while post-exercise applications can assist in reducing delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and lowering systemic inflammation, thereby supporting sustained physical conditioning, an essential element of cardiovascular longevity.
STRESS MANAGEMENT AND AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM BALANCE
Chronic psychological stress is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, contributing to autonomic imbalance, elevated cortisol, and endothelial dysfunction. RLT has been shown to influence autonomic regulation, potentially improving parasympathetic tone and reducing sympathetic overactivity through its effects on HRV and neurovascular coupling.
Incorporating RLT into a stress-reduction routine, alongside mindfulness practices, breathwork, or meditation, may further enhance cardiovascular outcomes by:
Decreasing systemic inflammatory burden driven by chronic stress.
Enhancing baroreceptor sensitivity and vagal tone.
Supporting neuroendocrine regulation, including normalization of cortisol rhythms.
Using RLT during quiet periods of relaxation or meditation may not only amplify physiological benefits but also establish it as a consistent ritual within a daily wellness routine.
Red Light Therapy provides a scientifically validated, physiologically active modality that aligns seamlessly with the pillars of cardiovascular health. When used as part of a holistic lifestyle, anchored in physical activity, balanced nutrition, stress regulation, and medical collaboration, RLT can enhance mitochondrial vitality, vascular performance, and systemic resilience. Its integration into a daily or weekly wellness plan empowers individuals to proactively support heart health from the inside out.
Red Light Therapy (RLT), grounded in the science of photobiomodulation, presents a promising adjunctive modality for supporting cardiovascular health through non-invasive, biologically active mechanisms. By targeting mitochondrial chromophores, particularly cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), RLT enhances electron transport chain activity, leading to elevated adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production.
This increase in cellular bioenergetics is particularly beneficial for high-demand tissues such as the myocardium and vascular smooth muscle, where efficient energy metabolism is essential for contractility and vascular tone regulation.
The therapy’s ability to modulate nitric oxide (NO) levels plays a critical role in promoting vasodilation, improving microcirculation, and enhancing endothelial function. Additionally, RLT exerts anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6) and reducing oxidative stress via upregulation of antioxidant enzyme systems, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). These actions help protect vascular tissues from degenerative changes commonly seen in hypertension, atherosclerosis, and metabolic syndrome.
The stimulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other angiogenic factors by red and near-infrared light supports capillary formation, tissue repair, and post-ischemic recovery, critical processes for individuals managing or recovering from cardiovascular events.
Clinical and preclinical evidence reinforces these physiological benefits, demonstrating improvements in blood perfusion, circadian blood pressure patterns, cardiac function, and even survival outcomes in experimental models of cardiovascular aging. These findings underscore the potential of RLT as a supportive therapy within both preventive and rehabilitative cardiovascular strategies.
When integrated into a holistic heart health routine alongside exercise, nutrition, stress management, and medical care, Red Light Therapy provides a multi-targeted, cellular-level approach to enhancing cardiovascular function and resilience. As research continues to evolve, RLT stands out as a valuable modality for those seeking to optimize circulatory health through safe, non-pharmaceutical, and biologically intelligent means.
References
[1] Martin SS, Aday AW, Allen NB, Almarzooq ZI, Anderson CAM, Arora P, Avery CL, Baker-Smith CM, Bansal N, Beaton AZ, Commodore-Mensah Y, Currie ME, Elkind MSV, Fan W, Generoso G, Gibbs BB, Heard DG, Hiremath S, Johansen MC, Kazi DS, Ko D, Leppert MH, Magnani JW, Michos ED, Mussolino ME, Parikh NI, Perman SM, Rezk-Hanna M, Roth GA, Shah NS, Springer MV, St-Onge M-P, Thacker EL, Urbut SM, Van Spall HGC, Voeks JH, Whelton SP, Wong ND, Wong SS, Yaffe K, Palaniappan LP; on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Committee.
2025 Heart disease and stroke statistics: a report of US and global data from the American Heart Association. Circulation. Published online January 27, 2025.
[2] Syed SB, Ahmet I, Chakir K, Morrell CH, Arany PR, Lakatta EG. Photobiomodulation therapy mitigates cardiovascular aging and improves survival. Lasers Surg Med. 2023 Mar;55(3):278-293. doi: 10.1002/lsm.23644. Epub 2023 Feb 23. PMID: 36821717; PMCID: PMC10084725.
[3] Zhao C, Ni Y, Zeng J. Effect of red-light therapy on retinal and choroidal blood perfusion in myopic children. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2023 Nov;43(6):1427-1437. doi: 10.1111/opo.13202. Epub 2023 Jul 10. PMID: 37431143.
[4] Navarro-Ledesma S, Carroll J, González-Muñoz A, Pruimboom L, Burton P. Changes in Circadian Variations in Blood Pressure, Pain Pressure Threshold and the Elasticity of Tissue after a Whole-Body Photobiomodulation Treatment in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Tripled-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial. Biomedicines. 2022 Oct 23;10(11):2678. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines10112678. PMID: 36359198; PMCID: PMC9687325.