Winter is harsh, often for those with high blood pressure. As doors and windows shut, your blood-pumping machine feels more suffocated within. With increasing numbers of heart attacks in winter, doctors are now clear about the real reasons. What made the spikes of blood pressure in winter? How can you save your heart from it? Take a pause and note the real reasons behind the seasonal rise of BP.
How Cold Weather Raises Morning Blood Pressure Levels
Dr. Naveen Bhamri, the senior director and head of cardiology at the Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, explains why winter spikes BP levels. In a YouTube Shorts video, he counts the true culprits behind the higher blood pressure in winter.
At first, he notes that cold temperature naturally constricts blood vessels, which then hinders the free flow of blood. This makes the heart pump faster, leading to high blood pressure in winter. The rise in cortisol levels as you struggle to wake up in the winter mornings also increases your blood sugar.
Besides, the lack of physical activity because of the cold weather naturally results in weight gain and plaque buildup around the arteries. Lastly, stressful and sleepless nights when meeting with winter meets, the deadly combo increases your blood pressure and associated risks.
Simple Doctor-Approved Tips to Control Blood Pressure in Winters
To balance your blood pressure and get saved from an impending cardiac arrest, it becomes essential to note the survival tips. The following tips will save you both from chill winter and high BP.
- Stay warm and layered using sufficient warm clothing and heating solutions.
- Increase your winter morning movement with indoor walks and exercise for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
- Eat heart-healthy food, including potassium-rich fruits like bananas, avocados, and oranges.
- Avoid sudden and direct exposure to cold and adjust your body before going out.
- Monitor your BP more frequently during winter.
When does Rising Winter BP Needs Urgent Care?
If you experience sudden and consistent chest pain, severe headache, breathlessness, and numbness, it is better to diagnose the cause. Additionally, if your BP readings get more than 140/90 mmHg levels, you must take the expert’s opinion and medicines to lower your blood pressure in winter.
Ignoring such symptoms of high blood pressure in winter can be fatal. Now that you know the actual reasons for high BP during winter, act proactively, and favour your heart a bit.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is not a substitute for qualified medical opinion in any way. The methods and claims mentioned in this article should be considered as suggestions only; DNP India neither confirms nor denies them. Always consult a doctor before following any such suggestions/treatments/medications/diets.
