According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 128 million people worldwide have high blood pressure or hypertension. According to a study published in 2023 by the American Heart Association, cold weather increases blood pressure problems.
High blood pressure means that there is difficulty in blood circulation throughout the body. During this period the pressure on the walls of the blood vessels increases. It begins to weaken and the arteries begin to block. Due to this, the risk of cardiovascular disease also increases in winter. 1 crore 80 lakh people die every year due to heart disease all over the world.
So, today' Health water In ' we will know why blood pressure increases in winter. You will also know that-
- Can we control blood pressure without medication?
- What changes in diet are necessary in case of hypertension?
The risk of blood pressure increases in winter When the temperature drops in winter, our brain sends a message to the body that the main body 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 the blood goes back to the other organs in smaller quantities and stays around the heart. Blood pressure rises because the arteries become hard and narrow. This is the reason why as the cold increases, so does the risk of blood pressure.
Neurologist Dr. Animesh Gupta says that this is why there is a need to monitor blood pressure more in winter.
What complications can occur due to increased blood pressure? High blood pressure puts a lot of pressure on the walls of the arteries. Due to which the blood vessels and many organs of the body can be affected. Dr. Animesh Gupta says that the higher the blood pressure and the longer it remains uncontrolled, the more damage is done.
Some common questions related to high blood pressure and their answers
Question: What is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure?
Answer: A blood pressure machine shows two readings. The upper reading is called 'systolic' and the lower reading is called 'diastolic' blood pressure. Systolic pressure is the pressure reading taken during a heartbeat. Diastolic pressure is the pressure reading taken between two heartbeats. This pressure is measured in milliliters of mercury, so it is written as mm Hg.
Question: Which blood pressure reading is called hypertension?
Answer: A blood pressure reading of 120/80 is considered normal. Also understand the stage at which blood pressure is kept:
Normal blood pressure: When blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg or less.
Elevated blood pressure: When the systolic pressure is 120 to 129 mm Hg and the diastolic pressure is not more than 80 mm Hg.
Stage 1 Hypertension: When the systolic pressure is between 130 to 139 mm Hg or the diastolic pressure is between 80 to 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: In people who do not have hypertension, are they more likely to develop it in the cold?
Answer: If a person's blood pressure is in an elevated mode, he may be at increased risk of hypertension. This means that if the systolic pressure is 120 to 129 mm Hg and the diastolic pressure is closer to 80 mm Hg, the risk of hypertension increases as the cold increases.
Apart from this, people with normal blood pressure are at increased risk of high blood pressure due to extreme cold.
Question: What signals does the body give when blood pressure is high?
Answer: Most people have no symptoms when their blood pressure is high. Many times people's blood pressure is in a state of emergency. Despite this they are unable to know about it.
Some people may experience these symptoms when blood pressure rises:
- headache
- Chest pain
- back pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty speaking
- Nosebleeds (nosebleeds)
- sexual dysfunction
Question: Do I have to take more medicines for hypertension in winter?
Answer: No, it doesn't. If there is no trouble due to growing cold, ordinary medicines are sufficient. However, if the temperature drops, the doctor may increase the dose of medication to control the blood pressure.
Question: What happens if blood pressure is high and not taking medication?
Answer: If blood pressure is persistently high, not taking medication can definitely have serious consequences. If left untreated, high blood pressure can increase the risk of many health problems. For example, heart attack, stroke or kidney disease can occur. If the blood pressure becomes too high, it can lead to heart failure or it is possible that a person can lose his eyesight.
Question: Can we control blood pressure without medication?
Answer: Yes, of course you can. Even if you are not taking medications to control blood pressure, it can be controlled. However, in case of stage 2 hypertension, please consult a doctor.
Do these 10 things to control blood pressure without medication:
- First lose weight. Reduce fat around the waist.
- Exercise or jog for at least 30 minutes every day.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eat whole grains, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.
- Reduce the amount of salt and sodium in the diet. Do not eat processed food.
- Reduce or avoid alcohol consumption.
- Quit smoking.
- Get at least 7 hours of good sleep every day and go to bed early.
- Control stress in body and mind.
- Check your blood pressure regularly at home.
- Keep your cholesterol levels and blood sugar under control.
Question: What is the best way to control blood pressure in winter?
Answer: Avoid exposure to cold if you suffer from high blood pressure. Do not step out of the house early in the morning or evening. Get important work done during the day. Always wear warm clothes when going out or at home.
Question: What should you eat and what should you not eat if you have hypertension?
Answer: Avoid if you have high blood pressure:
- Too much fried food
- Processed food
- Red meat
- More salt
- Coffee
- Sugar
- alcohol
- cigarettes
You should eat and drink these things:
- Seasonal fruits
- Fresh green vegetables
- Whole grains
- 8-10 glasses of water a day
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
