Donning a Tie Could Potentially Lead to Unanticipated Outcomes
Going Tie-Free May Offer Surprising Benefits
In the realm of workwear and formal attire, the suit and tie duo has been the epitome of professionalism and style. But a recent study in the journal Neuroradiology casts doubt on the humble tie. This study raises concerns that the tie could potentially impede blood flow to the brain, leading to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and nausea in select individuals.
From ancient times to the present day, the tie has been a fashion statement of sorts. The oldest recorded ties can be traced back to the Qin dynasty of Ancient China, where they emerged as part of the royal army's uniform. In the modern era, a suit and tie are often equated with professional achievement, and, as noted in John T. Molloy's 1975 book Dress for Success, "A man's ties can reveal a lot about who he is or who he aspires to be."
Diving deeper into the health implications, Robert Ritch of the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary previously uncovered a link between tie-wearing and intra-ocular pressure. More recently, Robin Lüddecke and colleagues at University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, conducted a study involving 30 men (15 tie-wearers and 15 non-tie-wearers). The results showed that the tie-wearers experienced an average drop in brain blood flow of 7.5%. However, the control group demonstrated no decline in blood flow when not wearing a tie.
Steve Kassem, from Neuroscience Research Australia, commented that a 7.5% reduction in blood flow, although minimal, could represent a potential issue for those already dealing with subpar blood flow rates (due to factors such as blocked blood vessels or hypertension), as well as for older individuals, smokers, or people with high blood pressure.
Additionally, ties have garnered attention due to their germ-harboring properties, making them less-than-ideal from a hygiene perspective.
In light of these findings, joining the likes of Richard Branson, Barack Obama, and the late Steve Jobs in ditching the tie might be a healthier choice. For those hesitant to let go, clip-ons may provide a practical alternative. Worth noting, the current body of research does not indicate that wearing a tie poses a significant long-term health risk for most people.
The original version of this piece was published in 2018.
{Enrichment Data:
- The study in question was published in the journal Neuroradiology in 2018.
- Wearing a tie has been shown to potentially reduce blood flow to the brain by 7.5%, as determined by the aforementioned study. This drop in blood flow may pose health risks for individuals with pre-existing conditions affecting blood flow, such as blocked blood vessels, hypertension, or individuals who are older, smokers, or have high blood pressure.
- Ties have been found to contain high levels of germs, making them potential hygiene hazards.
- While this study suggests a potential issue with wearing a tie, it's important to note that there is not yet extensive research establishing a direct link between tie-wearing and significant long-term health concerns.*
- The study in the journal Neuroradiology suggests that ties might impede blood flow to the brain, leading to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
- In the field of health and wellness, ties have raised concerns due to their potential to reduce brain blood flow by 7.5%.
- Science continues to delve into the health implications of ties, with research indicating possible risks for individuals with pre-existing conditions affecting blood flow.
- The tie, a staple in the world of science and medicine, has been scrutinized for its impact on blood flow, which could be a concern for older individuals, smokers, or people with high blood pressure.
- Technology and neuroscience have shed light on the germ-harboring properties of ties, making them less desirable from a hygiene standpoint.
- The realm of fashion and beauty has witnessed a shift in perception towards ties, with figures like Richard Branson, Barack Obama, and the late Steve Jobs abandoning them.
- In the sphere of entertainment and sports-betting, one's choice of attire could potentially affect health, with ties being a potential point of concern.
- Books on lifestyle and fitness-and-exercise often advise on the importance of maintaining good health practices, including choosing clothing that doesn't impede blood flow.
- The space industry, while far removed from the world of suits and ties, could still benefit from understanding the health implications of daily wear, as astronauts face unique challenges related to blood flow.
