High blood pressure in winter

BLOOD pressure and temperature has opposite relationship. while the temperature falls, the blood pressure rises. It is especially a bad time of the year for old people already suffering from high blood pressure. Rates of high blood pressure readings shoot up to 34.4% in winter from just 23.8% in summer. This rise in blood pressure was observed for both top (systolic) and bottom (diastolic) numbers. The average increase in blood pressure is as high as 5 units. Elderly and people suffering from high blood pressure are at an increased risk of heart failure and stroke during cold weathers and should be adequately protected. The risk of aneurismal rupture and stroke is highest in elderly and they should have improved protection from not just the cold but also the diseases and infections that come with it.

People above the age of 80 years must especially be very careful. Wear protective clothing and avoid going out in the cold weather. If you already suffer from high blood pressure, you might need greater doses of medicines. In winters, when people tend to put on more weight, it leads to higher levels of blood pressure as they engage in very little physical activity as compared to summers. Exercise can help control blood pressure in winters.