Hypertension, related to the temperature in the home. The colder it is, the higher the tension
This thing in your own home, which you would not even have thought of, significantly increases blood pressure.
See also: Daily milk consumption associated with heart disease. Women, the most vulnerable shows a study
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a well-known risk factor for serious health problems such as strokes and heart attacks. Although diet, exercise and lifestyle habits are recognized as contributing factors, recent research has identified a surprising new factor that influences blood pressure: the temperature inside the house.
The unexpected link between indoor temperature and hypertension
A study published in the Journal of Hypertension by researchers from University College London (UCL) suggests that the temperature in our homes can have a direct impact on blood pressure.
Findings show that cooler indoor environments correlate with increases in blood pressure. According to the study, for every one degree Celsius drop in indoor temperature, systolic blood pressure increases by 0.48 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 0.45 mmHg.
“Our research has helped explain the higher rates of hypertension as well as possible increases in deaths from stroke and heart disease during the winter months,” said Dr. Stephen Jivraj, Senior Researcher at UCL’s Institute of Epidemiology and Healthcare, according to Surrey Live.
He emphasized that indoor temperatures should be taken more seriously in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension.
See also: Climbing the stairs reduces high blood pressure. 5 minutes a day has a major effect
Hypertension, related to the temperature in the house – PHOTO: Freepik@simakovdprm
Heat in the house, associated with low voltage
Given these findings, the researchers suggest that maintaining higher indoor temperatures during the cold months could help reduce seasonal increases in hypertension.
Co-author Hongde Zhao from UCL emphasized the importance of this factor in the clinical field, suggesting that doctors should consider core temperature when diagnosing patients, especially those with borderline hypertension. He noted that patients living in cooler homes may require higher doses of medication to keep their blood pressure stable.
Although the study did not define a specific threshold for a “warm house”, the researchers recommended keeping the temperature in living rooms at least 21°C to support cardiovascular health.
See also: Heart disease, impact on the brain. They lead to neuronal degradation
Understanding traditional risk factors
Although indoor temperature has now become a significant factor, several traditional lifestyle factors continue to play a major role in blood pressure management.
The NHS identifies high salt intake, low fruit and vegetable consumption, lack of physical activity, smoking, excess alcohol or caffeine and poor sleep quality as the main factors contributing to high blood pressure.
As well as lifestyle changes, the NHS recommends regular blood pressure monitoring, either at home or at a local clinic. Values between 120/80 mmHg and 140/90 mmHg indicate an increased risk of developing hypertension, emphasizing the importance of keeping blood pressure under control.
This new research invites both individuals and health professionals to consider home temperature as part of a comprehensive strategy for managing hypertension.
Along with diet and exercise adjustments, maintaining a warmer living space throughout the winter could provide an easy and affordable way to support cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of complications related to high blood pressure.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow DCMedical and on Google News
Did this article help you?
Follow the page of Facebook DCMedical and the page of Instagram DCMedical Dose of Health and access more useful content for your health, disease prevention and treatment, first aid measures and helpful advice from doctors and patients.
It’s not often you find a killer combination hiding right under your roof. Forget the late-night takeaways or that five-hour Netflix binge – the real culprit raising your blood pressure could just be your goosebump-inducing living room!
Yes, according to a recent study from University College London, it turns out that when your home resembles an icebox, your blood pressure decides to take the express elevator right up! And let’s be honest, who would’ve thought that not finding your slippers could lead to a stroke? I mean, if only I’d known that ‘chilly’ was the new ‘not-so-chill,’ I would have invested in a better heating system rather than obsessing over heating my leftovers!
The Uninvited Guests: Indoor Temperatures and Your Blood Pressure
Now, let’s break down their shocking findings: for every degree Celsius drop in your cozy castle (or chilly dungeon, depending on your heating arrangements), your systolic blood pressure rises by 0.48 mmHg and diastolic by 0.45 mmHg. So if you’re living in a place where you can see your breath every morning, it’s no wonder your blood pressure is through the roof. It’s basically a DIY horror show sponsored by your thermostat!
Dr. Stephen Jivraj, the brain behind this enlightening research, cheekily suggests that keeping indoor temperatures in check during winter could be just as critical as keeping an eye on your salt intake or how many times you’ve pretended to enjoy that veggie juice. Who knew your warm socks could double as a life preserver for your cardiovascular health?
Let’s Get Comfortable
Getting back to reality, the news isn’t all doom and gloom. All you really need to avoid is your house resembling a scene from *Frozen.* Aim to keep your living space at a snug 21°C – just warm enough to make your friends think twice before bringing a snowman to visit!
Co-author Hongde Zhao chimed in, suggesting that doctors might want to consider indoor temperature when diagnosing hypertension – especially for those poor souls who think going without a radiator is a lifestyle choice. Imagine a doctor giving you medical advice while shivering; that’s one prescription I wouldn’t want to take!
From Thermostat to Takeout
But don’t throw out those running shoes or your salad just yet! Although the temperature of your abode is vital, traditional Iranian methods like watching your salt intake and keeping that couch-focused lifestyle in check remain essential. Just remember, balance is key! After all, you don’t want to be the person who walks around saying, “Well, my house is warm, so I can keep these chips close… right?”
In short, if your blood pressure’s playing the high stakes game every winter, it might be time to crank up the heat. Remember, prevention is just a thermostat away – and your future self will thank you after that heart-healthy stew instead of a heart-pounding burrito. Stay warm, stay healthy, and keep your blood pressure in check – because after all, isn’t it more fun to live a long life than to solely hunt down the chill from your poor heating choices?
So there you have it – your home isn’t just what you decorate; it’s a critical factor in your health, too! Turn up that dial and let’s toast to our newfound understanding – with a nice cup of warm cocoa, of course. Cheers!
### Interview: Understanding the Link Between Indoor Temperature and Hypertension
**Editor:** Welcome to our segment today, where we’ll delve into a surprising factor affecting hypertension—indoor temperature. Joining us is Dr. Stephen Jivraj, a senior researcher from University College London, who recently conducted a study on this very topic. Thank you for being here, Dr. Jivraj!
**Dr. Jivraj:** Thank you for having me!
**Editor:** Let’s get right into it. Your study found a significant correlation between cooler indoor temperatures and higher blood pressure readings. Can you explain how this relationship works?
**Dr. Jivraj:** Absolutely! Our research indicated that for every one degree Celsius decrease in indoor temperature, systolic blood pressure rises by approximately 0.48 mmHg and diastolic by about 0.45 mmHg. This means that people living in colder environments could be experiencing elevated blood pressure simply due to the temperature of their homes.
**Editor:** That’s fascinating! Many people would never think that their home environment could affect their blood pressure. What are the practical implications of these findings for everyday individuals?
**Dr. Jivraj:** The most straightforward implication is that maintaining a warmer living space could be a simple yet effective way to help manage hypertension, especially during the colder months. We suggest keeping indoor temperatures in living areas at least around 21°C to mitigate the increases in blood pressure associated with cold conditions.
**Editor:** It makes sense! So, in addition to diet and exercise, indoor temperature should be considered in hypertension management?
**Dr. Jivraj:** Exactly. Health professionals should take indoor temperature into account when diagnosing and treating hypertension. It’s a reminder that hypertension doesn’t only stem from traditional risk factors like diet and physical activity, but also environmental factors, which we often overlook.
**Editor:** You mentioned in your study that individuals living in cooler homes may require higher doses of medication to manage their blood pressure effectively. How can patients and healthcare providers apply this knowledge?
**Dr. Jivraj:** Patients should regularly monitor their blood pressure at home, noting the temperatures of their living spaces, especially in winter. Healthcare providers should be aware of these environmental factors and may consider adjusting treatment plans accordingly for patients living in cooler environments.
**Editor:** So, for someone dealing with borderline hypertension, what steps should they take right away after learning about this connection?
**Dr. Jivraj:** They should ensure their home is adequately heated, especially during the winter months. Additionally, they should continue to monitor their blood pressure regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle by monitoring salt intake, staying active, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and ensuring good sleep quality.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Jivraj, for shedding light on this surprising link between indoor temperature and hypertension! Any final thoughts for our viewers?
**Dr. Jivraj:** Just a reminder that small changes in your environment can have big impacts on your health. Don’t underestimate the power of a cozy home!
**Editor:** Thank you once again, Dr. Jivraj, for your insights. It’s clear that staying warm could be more critical for our health than we ever knew.