Unveiling the Hidden Health Risks of Donning a Tie
Donning a Tie Potentially Leads to Unexpected Complications
A suit and tie have long been synonymous with professionalism, but a fresh perspective is in order, particularly when it comes to the tie. A study published in the journal Neuroradiology in 2018 casts doubt on the accessory's harmless reputation. The findings indicate that a tight tie might restrict the flow of blood to the brain, causing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea for some individuals.
The tradition of wearing a tie roots back to the Qin dynasty of Ancient China, with members of the royal army adopting the neckpiece in the time of Qin Shih Huang. While its practical use has waned, a suit and tie remain a symbol of professionalism and status in the 21st century.
A tie serves more than just a professional function; it's also an opportunity to display the wearer's taste, stature, and personality. In John T. Molloy's 1975 book Dress for Success, he asserts, "A man's ties reveal who he is or who he aspires to be."
Research by Robert Ritch at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary established an association between tie-wearing and increased intraocular pressure. Building on Ritch's work, Robin Lüddecke and colleagues at University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, examined the brains of 15 otherwise healthy men before and after they wore a tie. For comparison, a second group of 15 men was scanned with no tie.
The study's results revealed that the tie-wearers experienced an average decline in brain blood flow of 7.5%. The control group, on the other hand, exhibited no such decline. For most individuals, this drop in blood flow is insignificant. However, those with low blood flow rates due to conditions like blocked blood vessels, or those who are older, smoke, or have high blood pressure, may experience more pronounced effects.
In light of evidence that ties are a breeding ground for germs without functional purpose, it's reasonable to consider joining the ranks of entrepreneurs like Richard Branson, former President Barack Obama, and the late Steve Jobs who have sworn off ties altogether. Alternatively, clip-ons could be a viable solution if the traditional tie's health risks are concerning.
The study was published in the journal Neuroradiology.
An earlier version of this story was published in 2018.
Insight: Studies suggest that tight ties might increase the risk of glaucoma due to potential elevations in intraocular pressure. There is also a trend towards casualizing work attire in various industries, with figures like Mark Zuckerberg often opting for more relaxed garb. The health concerns associated with ties primarily revolve around proper fitting rather than a wholesale avoidance. Famous figures giving up ties tend to do so as part of broader cultural shifts rather than as a direct response to health concerns.
- Beyond professionalism, ties also serve as a means to express one's taste, stature, and personality, as suggested in John T. Molloy's book, 'Dress for Success'.
- A study published in the journal Neuroradiology in 2018 raises concerns about the health risks associated with wearing a tight tie, suggesting it might restrict blood flow to the brain.
- Research has shown an association between tie-wearing and increased intraocular pressure, built upon previous work by Robert Ritch at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary.
- A study by Robin Lüddecke and colleagues at University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, published in Neuroradiology, revealed that wearing a tie led to an average decline of 7.5% in brain blood flow compared to the control group.
- This decline in blood flow might be more pronounced for individuals with low blood flow rates, older individuals, smokers, or those with high blood pressure.
- given the potential health risks and the rising trend towards casual work attire in various industries, one might consider following the lead of figures like Richard Branson, Barack Obama, and Steve Jobs, who have sworn off ties.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, technology, and education-and-self-development, general news frequently discusses and publishes studies that contribute to our understanding of various aspects of life and health.
