Winter's hidden danger: Why do blood pressure levels spike in cold temperatures? Experts explain and share preventive tips

Delhi-NCR woke up to the thick blanket of fog on Sunday, as the national capital and the nearby regions woke up to a cold spell.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature recorded in the national capital was 12 degrees Celsius on Sunday. Moreover, rain, thunderstorms, and hail warnings have also been issued by the IMD. Amid such weather conditions, the body¡¯s blood pressure levels keep on fluctuating; hence it is important to take care of this.

According to the Mayo Clinic, blood pressure is generally higher in the winter season and low in the summer season. This mainly happens because of the low temperatures that cause blood vessels to temporarily narrow.

Why do cold temperatures cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure levels?

Winter can cause dangerous spikes in your blood pressure levels, highlighting the importance of taking extra care of your health. ¡°Mostly cold temperatures during the winter are to be blamed for high BP. It makes your blood vessels constrict. This narrowing down of the blood vessels is called vasoconstriction. It reduces the space for the blood to flow smoothly, which can significantly raise the pressure in your arteries,¡± explains Dr. Badal Shivnarayan Taori, MBBS, MD Medicine, General Medicine, Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.

Also, the coldness in the weather can make your body work harder than usual to maintain warmth. Dr. Shivnarayan warns, ¡°This can further increase your heart rate and even blood pressure. People who are already diagnosed with conditions like high blood pressure or heart-related disease should exercise caution to avoid any complications.¡±

Factors behind the rise in blood pressure levels in winters

During the winter your body tends to produce more hormones, especially stress hormones such as adrenaline. This particular hormone helps your body to cope with the cold and chilly weather. These hormones can significantly tighten your blood vessels while further increasing your blood pressure. According to Dr. Aniket Mule, consultant in internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, ¡°People often tend to ditch their workout routine, which can often lead to physical inactivity. Not moving enough can further lead to weight gain. This can make it difficult for your body to keep the blood pressure levels in control.¡±

Preventive tips: Ways to keep blood pressure levels in control

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce these effects.

• Eat healthy: Individuals are advised to eat well-balanced meals and stay hydrated.
• Track your blood pressure levels: Keep monitoring your blood pressure levels regularly. This can help you understand your blood pressure levels and make necessary lifestyle changes for the betterment of your health.
• Avoid stepping out in extreme temperatures: To minimise this, individuals should avoid going outdoors without wearing proper layers.
• Stay physically active: Stay physically active to maintain good blood circulation and exercise regularly.

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