Winter comes, and the thermometer begins to mark the minimum temperatures of one digit. Although the effects that the thermal wave can also give in the body better, the cold climate also causes consequences.
And although we usually associate this mainly with the problems of influenza or breathing, there is another part of our body that affects. Experts warn of the effect of low temperatures on the health of cardiovascular diseases, especially in people with previous pathologies.
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Several studies conducted for almost half a century in several countries (among them, Argentina) showed that in winter more cardiovascular events are taking place.
It was also ratified by a study published in the North American journal of medical sciences, which came to the conclusion that the incidence of cardiovascular diseases varies depending on the season of the year and increases in the coldest months.
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The data show important seasonal differences not only by the number of people who are ill and should be hospitalized, but also in mortality from the following paintings:
- Acute myocardial infarction,
- ACV,
- Chronic heart failure.
This is due to the fact that blood pressure depends on temperature changes.
According to the Argentine Cardiology Fund, vasoconstriction (reduction of caliber) of small vessels in response to a cold climate increases the resistance of blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
Winter and hypertension: why blood pressure increases with a cold
In general, blood pressure is higher in winter and lower in summer. This is due to the fact that low temperatures make blood vessels temporarily, as the article in the May clinic notes.
He adds that the blood needs more pressure to go through narrow veins and arteries. This increases blood pressure. It also explains that these changes in blood pressure associated with climate are more often found in people 65 years old and older.
Among the reasons that affect blood pressure when it is cold:
- weight gain,
- the greatest consumption of salted products,
- And a decrease in physical activity from lower temperatures.
Control tips in winter in winter
If you suffer from high blood pressure, there are several measures that you can take to help prevent peaks that usually occur in cold weather. According to the Cardiology Center of the Southern Denver, they are as follows:
- Change your diet: the cold usually wants to eat something comforting, but this can increase blood pressure. Instead, he has a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, low fat, fish, birds and whole grain. Avoid salt food.
- This reduces the consumption of caffeine and alcohol: both caffeine and alcohol accelerate the loss of body heat. Your heart will have to strive more to remain hot, which can cause an increase in blood pressure.
- Exercises: Even if you want to minimize intensive activity in the fresh air in the cold, it is important to play sports in winter. This will improve your cardiovascular health and help you control blood pressure.
- It retains the warmth of the body: the method of combating an increase in blood pressure caused by the cold is to preserve the body as protected as possible when you are on the street. Go with several layers of shelter and make sure that you wear a hat and gloves.
- Often control your blood pressure: even if you follow all the above indicators, it is important to often control your blood pressure during the winter. Try to measure it at different times of the day to have a more clear idea of how it fluctuates.
