Why can blood pressure rise when it’s cold?

A prolonged cold wave is affecting a large part of Argentina. Nine out of the 24 jurisdictions in the country are under red alert, indicating that low temperatures can impact people’s health, even those who are healthy.

One of the negative effects of low temperatures is an increased risk of high blood pressure, which is the force of blood pushing once morest the walls of the arteries.

Every time your heart beats, it pumps blood into your arteries. Ideally, your blood pressure should be below 135/85 mmHg, and you should have regular check-ups.

Blood pressure measurement should be done with validated automatic devices to ensure accuracy (Freepik)

Blood pressure is generally higher in the winter and lower in the summer. “This is because cold temperatures cause blood vessels to temporarily narrow. This causes blood pressure to rise because more pressure is needed to circulate blood through the narrowed veins and arteries,” explained Dr. Francisco López-Jiménez, a member of the American College of Cardiology and a specialist in cardiovascular prevention at the Mayo Clinic in the United States.

It is also known that the body (and blood vessels) can react to abrupt changes in humidity, atmospheric pressure, cloudiness, or wind in the same way that it reacts to cold. These weather-related variations in blood pressure are more frequent in people over 65 years of age.

Other seasonal causes of higher blood pressure include weight gain and decreased physical activity, which are common in the winter, and the salty foods people tend to eat.

When consulted by Infobae, Pablo Rodríguez, first vice president of the Argentine Society of Arterial Hypertension (SAHA), said that pressure in winter can increase up to 10 mmHg (for systolic or maximum pressure), and up to 5 mmHg (for diastolic or minimum pressure).

For example, if a person usually has a pressure of 120/80 mmHg (12/8), in times of low temperatures it can reach 130/85 mmHg (13/8.5).

Blood pressure can be measured at home, according to medical indications/ SEMG

“Today, blood pressure measurements must be performed with validated automatic devices to ensure accuracy,” Dr. Marcos Marín, former president of the Argentine Society of Hypertension (SAHA), recently explained to Infobae.

Since accurate blood pressure measurement is key to the effective diagnosis, prevention, and control of hypertension, “it can be achieved with the use of validated electronic devices, the use of a correct measurement protocol, and adequate patient preparation,” according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

When high blood pressure is diagnosed, the condition is usually controlled with better adherence to medical treatment/ (Illustrative Image Infobae)

If blood pressure is elevated above normal levels, it is recommended to consult a doctor. “If high blood pressure is considered a silent disease, no specific symptoms related to high blood pressure should be expected,” said Dr. Rodriguez.

There is a tendency for blood pressure to rise in some people due to the constriction of blood vessels. “If it is winter and blood pressure rises, it is advisable to consult a health professional and improve adherence to the prescribed treatment. It is very rare for patients to have to increase the dose of the medications they have been prescribed.

The accumulation of cholesterol plaques can promote the development of cardiovascular diseases. A periodic check-up is key/Archive

Dyslipidemia is an alteration in the levels of lipids or fats in the blood, mainly cholesterol and/or triglycerides. The excess of these substances causes their accumulation within the arteries, which reduces their calibre and causes them to harden.

This compromises the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the various organs, and increases the risk of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and renal diseases, among others.

During very cold weather, people tend to do less physical activity than they should on a weekly basis and increase their consumption of fats in their diet: these are situations that can promote changes in cholesterol levels.

“The increase in cholesterol in relation to winter is due to the habits that people follow. There is no physiological relationship that makes the body alter cholesterol levels,” Pablo Corral, president of the Argentine Lipid Society, told Infobae. “Because of the cold, people move less and increase their consumption of foods with more calories,” he said.

Physical activity should not be reduced in winter. A more sedentary lifestyle contributes to increased cholesterol (Illustrative Image Infobae)

To control elevated cholesterol levels during the winter, medical societies such as the Spanish Heart Foundation and the Argentine Society of Cardiology recommend:

• Knowing your cholesterol level: you should consult a doctor and then have a simple blood test done. Through this study, the health professional can give you indications.
• Adopt a healthy diet: It is extremely important to eat fruits and vegetables of all types and colors daily, and reduce the consumption of foods high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt.
• Avoid trans fats: They are widely used by the food industry due to their low cost and their ability to prolong the shelf life of products. It is advisable to pay attention to labels.
• Be physically active: You should do at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day: walk more, climb stairs, dance, play with children, ride a bike, swim, and do chores around the house.
• Reduce alcohol consumption and quit smoking or vaping.

Cold Waves and Their Impact on Health: Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Cold Weather and Blood Pressure

A prolonged wave of intense cold can severely impact health, even for seemingly healthy individuals. Low temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, which increases the force of blood pushing once morest the artery walls. This rise in blood pressure is a common phenomenon during cold weather and can be a concern, particularly for those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

Blood Pressure and Cold Weather Explained

• Blood Vessel Constriction: Cold temperatures trigger blood vessels to narrow, making it harder for blood to flow freely. This increased resistance forces the heart to work harder to circulate blood, leading to a rise in blood pressure.

• Winter vs. Summer: Blood pressure tends to be higher during the winter and lower in the summer due to this phenomenon.

• Other Factors: Humidity, atmospheric pressure, cloudiness, and wind can also affect blood pressure, particularly in individuals over 65.

• Seasonal Contributors: Additional factors like weight gain, reduced physical activity, and increased salt intake during the winter months can further contribute to elevated blood pressure.

Measuring and Managing Blood Pressure

Accurate Measurement: Validate automatic blood pressure devices are crucial for precise measurement.

Monitoring and Management: Consulting a healthcare professional to monitor and manage blood pressure is essential. While it’s uncommon for patients to need increased medication dosages during cold weather, adherence to existing treatment plans is vital.

Cold Weather and Cholesterol

Cold weather can also affect cholesterol levels, primarily due to behavioral changes and not physiological factors. Here’s why:

Cholesterol and Cold Weather Connection

• Sedentary Lifestyle: People often engage in less physical activity during colder months, contributing to a more sedentary lifestyle. Reduced physical activity can negatively impact cholesterol levels.

• Dietary Changes: Increased consumption of high-calorie foods often occurs during winter, leading to a potential rise in cholesterol levels.

Preventing and Managing Cholesterol

• Know Your Levels: Regular blood tests can help determine your cholesterol level and guide appropriate management strategies.

• Adopt a Healthy Diet: Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains should be staples of your diet, while limiting saturated fats, sugar, and salt is key.

• Avoid Trans Fats: These unhealthy fats are often found in processed foods and may increase cholesterol levels.

• Stay Active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.

• Limit Alcohol and Smoking: Reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking or vaping are essential for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

Key Takeaways

• Cold weather significantly affects blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

• Understand the causes of these fluctuations and prioritize healthy habits to mitigate their impact.
• Regular monitoring and consultation with a healthcare professional are crucial to managing blood pressure and cholesterol effectively during colder months.