Warm blankets may cut heart risk for paralyzed patients

People with spinal cord injury (SCI) face higher risks of heart disease and diabetes, partly due to chronic inflammation and poor blood vessel function. Exercise helps but is often not possible. This small study tested whether repeated passive heating (using a water-perfused suit or electric blanket) three times a week for eight weeks could lower inflammation and improve metabolism and blood vessel health in 10 adults with stable SCI. The goal was to see if this simple, accessible method could reduce key risk factors for heart disease and diabetes.