World Health Organization (WHO) According to , 128 million people worldwide suffer from high blood pressure, or high blood pressure. According to a study by the American Heart Association published in 2023, the problem of blood pressure increases in cold weather.
High blood pressure means that there is difficulty in blood circulation throughout the body. During this period, the pressure on the blood vessel walls increases. They begin to weaken and the arteries begin to become clogged. This is why the risk of cardiovascular diseases also increases in winter. Every year, 1 crore 80 lakh people die due to heart disease worldwide.
Therefore, today in “Sehatnama” we will know why blood pressure increases in winter. You will also learn that-
Can you manage your blood pressure without taking medication? What dietary changes are necessary for hypertension?
Blood pressure risk increases in winter
When the temperature drops in winter, our brain sends a message to the body that the body’s major organs need heat to stay alive. As soon as the message is received, the body increases blood flow to the heart. After this, the blood vessels tighten, so that blood flows again in lesser quantities to other organs and remains around the heart. Blood pressure increases as the arteries become hard and narrow. This is the reason why as the cold increases, the risk of blood pressure also increases.
Neurologist Dr Animesh Gupta explains that this is why it is necessary to monitor blood pressure more in winter.
What complications can occur due to increased blood pressure?
Due to high blood pressure, great pressure is exerted on the walls of the arteries. As a result, blood vessels and many organs of the body can be affected. Dr. Animesh Gupta says the higher the blood pressure and the longer it remains uncontrolled, the greater the damage.
Some common questions related to high blood pressure and their answers
Question: What is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure?
Answer: Two readings are visible on the blood pressure monitor. The higher value is called “systolic” blood pressure and the lower value is called “diastolic” blood pressure. Systolic pressure refers to the pressure measured at the time of the heartbeat. Diastolic pressure refers to the pressure measured between two heartbeats. This pressure is measured in mercury per milliliter, so it is written in mm Hg.
Question: What measurement of blood pressure is called hypertension?
Answer: A blood pressure of 120/80 is considered normal. Apart from this, understand at what stage of blood pressure it is maintained:
Normal blood pressure: when blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg or less.
High blood pressure: when the systolic pressure is between 120 and 129 mm Hg and the diastolic pressure does not exceed 80 mm Hg.
Stage 1 hypertension: when the systolic pressure is between 130 and 139 mm Hg or the diastolic pressure is between 80 and 89 mm Hg.
Stage 2 hypertension: when the systolic pressure is 140 mm Hg or more or the diastolic pressure is 90 mm Hg or more.
Question: For those who do not suffer from hypertension, do the risks of suffering from it increase with a cold?
Answer: If a person’s blood pressure readings are high, they may be at higher risk for hypertension. This means that if the systolic pressure is 120 to 129 mm Hg and the diastolic pressure is close to 80 mm Hg, then the risk of hypertension increases as the cold increases.
Apart from this, in people with normal blood pressure, the risk of high blood pressure increases due to extreme cold.
Question: What signals does the body send when blood pressure is high?
Answer: Most people have no symptoms when blood pressure is high. Often people’s blood pressure levels are in emergency situations. Despite this, they fail to find out.
Some people may experience these symptoms when blood pressure rises:
Headaches Chest pain Back pain Difficulty breathing Difficulty speaking Nose bleeding Sexual dysfunction
Question: Should I take more blood pressure medication in winter?
Answer: No, that doesn’t happen. If there are no complications due to increased cold, the usual medications are sufficient. However, if the temperature drops, the doctor may increase the dose of medications to manage blood pressure.
Question: What will happen if blood pressure is high and you are not taking medication?
Answer: If blood pressure remains persistently high, not taking medication can certainly have serious consequences. If left untreated, high blood pressure can increase the risk of many health problems. For example, a heart attack, stroke or kidney disease may occur. If blood pressure rises too high, it can lead to heart failure or a person may lose their vision.
Question: Can we manage blood pressure without taking medication?
Answer: Yes, of course you can. Even if you don’t take medication to manage your blood pressure, you can still manage it. However, in case of stage 2 hypertension, consult a doctor.
Do these 10 things to manage blood pressure without taking medication:
First of all, lose weight. Reduce fat around the waist. Exercise or jog for at least 30 minutes every day. Eat whole grains, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. Reduce the amount of salt and sodium in your diet. Don’t eat processed foods. Reduce or avoid alcohol consumption. Stop smoking. Sleep at least 7 hours a day and go to bed early. Check your blood pressure regularly and stay. blood sugar under control.
Question: What is the best way to manage blood pressure in winter?
Answer: If you have high blood pressure, avoid exposing yourself to cold. Do not leave the house very early in the morning or evening. Do important work during the day only. Always wear warm clothes when going out somewhere or at home.
Question: If you have high blood pressure, what should you eat and what should you not eat?
Answer: If you have high blood pressure, avoid these:
Too much fried foodProcessed foodsRed meatLots of saltCoffeeSugarAlcoholCigarettes
You should eat and drink these things:
Seasonal fruits, fresh green vegetables, whole grains, 8 to 10 glasses of water per day.
……………………………. from Sehatnama Sehatnama – 8 major causes of heart attacks in young people Age: Smoking, fast food and obesity are the main reasons why these 10 lifestyle changes are necessary.
The heart is the center of our body. As long as it beats, we have life. As important as it is, it is also a delicate organ. Their health can deteriorate at any age. The heartbeat can stop at any time. …