Brain area that controls breathing has role in high BP’

New Delhi: The lateral parafacial (pFL) region of the brain, responsible for controlling breathing, may also connect to nerves that tighten blood vessels, leading to a rise in blood pressure, according to a study, findings from which could present a new treatment target for hypertension.

The pFL region -- located in the brainstem, which connects the cerebrum in the brain to the spinal cord -- controls automatic functions, including digestion, breathing, and heart rate.

Forced exhalations while laughing, exercising or coughing are driven by powerful abdominal muscles, which are not required during a normal exhalation, lead researcher Julian Paton, director of the centre for heart research at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, said.

"The lateral parafacial region is recruited into action, causing us to exhale during a laugh, exercise or coughing," Paton said.