How can winter months affect your blood pressure?
The colder months can exacerbate a lot of health conditions. Wintertime worsens a number of health problems, including asthma, low immunity, and joint pain. In general, when it comes to blood pressure, it is lower in the summer and higher in the winter. People with high blood pressure have trouble getting the blood to flow through their bodies. A person's risk of cardiovascular illnesses and other problems may rise as a result.
Cold weather, or any abrupt shift in the weather, can also have an impact on blood pressure. Similar to how the body responds to cold, the blood vessels in the body may react abruptly to changes in humidity, air pressure, wind, or cloud cover. Those 65 years of age and older are more likely to experience these weather-related fluctuations in blood pressure.
What causes a spike in BP during winter?
Arteries and blood vessels narrow in the chilly weather. Consequently, more force is needed to transfer blood to other parts of the body. As a result, the blood pressure increases. This is because blood vessels momentarily constrict at low temperatures. Because greater power is required to push blood through constricted veins and arteries, this raises blood pressure.
Other factors that are responsible for high blood pressure
Increased weight gain, the use of salty foods during the holidays, and the typical wintertime decrease in physical activity are other seasonal factors contributing to elevated blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, talk to your healthcare professional and keep an eye on your readings as the seasons change.
Here are certain things that can help keep your BP in check during the cold months:
Do not drink alcohol. Overindulging in alcohol during the winter can quickly cause your body to lose heat. It makes you feel colder by lowering your body's core temperature.
Exercise in moderation is advised for those with high blood pressure. Engaging in regular physical activity strengthens the heart. More blood may be pumped by a stronger heart with less effort.
Wearing layers of clothing keeps you warmer. That is because warm air is trapped between the layers and acts as an insulator. Reducing a layer would reduce the amount of heat trapped.
