High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is blood pressure that is higher than normal i.e 120/80. The higher your blood pressure levels, the more risk you have for other health problems, such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Get More details on hypertension diagnosis & Management.
Cold weather causes narrowing of blood vessels and arteries, leading to restricted blood flow, high blood pressure, and a limited supply of oxygen to the heart, causing hypertension to worsen and increases the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular ailments.
Winter also causes people to skip exercise, eat more greasy foods, and gain weight. People who are healthy and without any medical history may bear the impacts of a weather change, but patients with instances of heart disease will begin to exhibit symptoms that may necessitate immediate medical attention.
If you already have high blood pressure, continue to monitor your readings as the seasons change and consult your doctor when you notice change in your readings. In winters, a rise in the cardiovascular mortality has also been observed.
Tips to control high blood pressure in winter
Follow the below given tips to control high blood pressure in winter season
Limit outdoor activity to reduce sudden changes in heart function.
Avoid extreme exertion
Always cover yourself well, when stepping outside to minimise the exposure to outdoor temperature
Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake
Quit Smoking
Limit your salt intake
Eat well-balanced diet consisting of a variety of vegetables and food rich in potassium and nutrients that help lower blood pressure.
Avoid trans fats, hydrogenated vegetable oils, and processed fast foods
During the winter, the elderly are the most vulnerable to suffer from heart problems. They should keep themselves sufficiently warm to avoid heart discomfort.