Why does blood pressure increase in winter

January 8 kathmandu . According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , 1.28 billion people around the world suffer from high blood pressure or hypertension. 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 time, the pressure on the walls of the blood vessels increases. They start weakening and the arteries start getting blocked. This is the reason why the risk of cardiovascular disease also increases in winter. Every year 18 million people die due to heart disease all over the world.

The risk of blood pressure increases in winter

When the temperature drops in winter, our brain sends a message to the body that the major organs of the body need heat to stay alive. As soon as the message is received, the body increases the blood flow towards the heart. After this, the blood vessels tighten so that less amount of blood goes to other organs and remains around the heart. As soon as the arteries become hard and narrow, the blood pressure increases. This is the reason that the risk of blood pressure also increases as the cold increases.

What complications can occur due to increased blood pressure?

Due to high blood pressure, there is a lot of pressure on the walls of the arteries. This can affect the blood vessels and many organs of the body. Dr. says that the higher the blood pressure and the longer it remains uncontrolled, the greater the damage.

What is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure?

 The blood pressure machine shows two readings. The upper reading is called 'systolic' and the lower reading is called 'diastolic' blood pressure. Systolic pressure means the pressure reading taken during the heartbeat. Diastolic pressure means the pressure reading taken between two heartbeats. This pressure is measured in mercury per milliliter, so it is written as mm Hg.

What is the blood pressure reading which is considered as hypertension?

 A blood pressure reading of 120/80 is considered normal. Apart from this, understand at what level of blood pressure it is placed in which stage:

Normal blood pressure: When the blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg or slightly 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 systolic pressure is between 130 and 139 mm Hg or diastolic pressure is between 80 and 89 mm Hg.

Stage 2 hypertension: When the systolic pressure is 140 mm Hg or higher or the diastolic pressure is 90 mm Hg or higher.

For those who do not have hypertension, do their chances of getting it increase in cold weather?

 If someone's blood pressure readings are in elevated mode, then he may be at a higher risk of 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 person is at a higher risk of hypertension when the cold increases.

Apart from this, those people whose blood pressure is normal, their risk of elevated blood pressure increases when the cold increases.

 What signals does the body give when blood pressure is high?

Most people do not show any symptoms when their blood pressure is high. Many times people's blood pressure is high in an emergency situation. Despite this, they are not able to know about it.

Some people may experience these symptoms when their blood pressure rises:

Can blood pressure be managed without taking medicine?

Yes, you can definitely do it. Even if you are not taking medicines to manage blood pressure, it can still be managed. However, in a condition like stage 2 hypertension, do consult a doctor.

Do these 10 things to manage blood pressure without taking medicine:

What is the best way to manage blood pressure in winter?

If you have high blood pressure, avoid being exposed to cold. Do not go out of the house very early in the morning or in the evening. Complete important tasks during the day only. Always wear warm clothes when you go out or at home.

If you have hypertension, what should you eat and what should you not eat?

 If you have high blood pressure problem then avoid these:

You should eat and drink these: