THE necktie is a staple accessory for school uniforms, office attire, and formal events—a must-have item in nearly everyone’s closet. However, recent research suggests that wearing a tie might restrict blood flow to the brain, potentially impacting cognitive performance.
Could this commonly worn accessory be more dangerous than just a style choice, or is it merely a fashion myth?
VERDICT:
TRUE
A new study from the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein in Germany says that wearing a necktie may decrease blood flow to the brain, affecting creativity and cognitive function.
To investigate this risk, German researchers experimented with 30 men, dividing them into two groups: one group wore neckties tied in a Windsor knot, while the other group did not.
Every participant underwent three MRI scans to measure cerebral blood flow and jugular venous flow, analysing how well blood circulates to and from the brain. The results showed a significant decrease in blood flow when the ties were worn tightly, averaging a 7.5% drop.
While this reduction might not cause noticeable symptoms in healthy individuals, it could have more serious consequences for smokers, people with high blood pressure, and the elderly. According to Steve Kassem of Neuroscience Research Australia, this decrease could potentially lead to headaches or other health problems.
The reduction in cerebral blood flow is believed to be due to increased pressure in the head caused by the tie compressing veins in the neck. This compression raises pressure within the skull, impairing blood outflow from the brain and disrupting normal circulation.
Even when the ties were loosened in the second round of the experiment, blood flow remained reduced by 5.7%, with some participants experiencing a decrease of 10% or more. Notably, after loosening the tie again in the third round, blood flow was still 12.8% below the original baseline.
So, before tightening that tie all the way, consider its potential impact on not just your outfit but your cognitive function.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/
