Managing blood pressure in colder weather may be more challenging.

Managing blood pressure in colder weather may be more challenging.

Winter Months Pose Challenges for Individuals with High Blood Pressure: Study Reveals

Winter months can be particularly challenging for individuals trying to manage their high blood pressure, new research suggests. Conducted at six healthcare centers in the Southeast and Midwest United States, this study found that systolic blood pressure, the top number in a blood pressure reading, increases slightly during winter months by up to 1.7 mm Hg. Furthermore, population blood pressure control rates decrease by 5% in winter compared to summer.

The study, presented at the American Heart Association’s Hypertension Scientific Session 2023, assessed over 60,000 American adults currently receiving treatment for high blood pressure. The surprising findings highlight the need for individuals with hypertension or borderline high blood pressure to monitor their blood pressure regularly, pay attention to physical activity, and adopt healthy nutrition patterns during the winter months.

Robert Barrett, a software engineer at the American Medical Association and the study’s author, expressed his surprise at the sizable change in blood pressure control between winter and summer months. He emphasized the importance of periodic blood pressure monitoring and improvements in physical activity and dietary habits during winter to counteract the adverse effects of seasonal blood pressure fluctuations.

Throughout the study, participants continued taking their prescribed blood pressure medications. The research included participants from a variety of healthcare settings, ranging from small federally funded nonprofit health centers or clinics to large academic medical centers. Seasonal testing occurred during December to February for winter and June to August for summer, spanning from 2018 to 2023.

The participants had an average age of 62, with 52.3% identifying as white and 59.7% as female. The authors of the study also indicated the need for future investigations into the frequency of heart disease and deaths during each season.

• Some people with glaucoma may be unaware of their condition.
• FDA may approve new COVID boosters by Friday.
• Ozempic helps Type 1 diabetes patients quit insulin treatments in s...

While this study provides valuable insights into the effects of winter on blood pressure control, it does have limitations. The electronic health records used did not capture a complete health history for each participant. Therefore, further research is warranted to explore the relationship between seasonal changes and cardiovascular health in greater depth.

The American Heart Association’s Hypertension Scientific Session 2023 took place in Boston from September 7th to September 10th. As with any research presented at conferences, these findings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.

Conclusion

Individuals with high blood pressure or individuals on the cusp of hypertension should pay close attention to their blood pressure levels during the winter months. This study emphasizes the need for regular monitoring, as well as making lifestyle adjustments to combat the adverse effects of seasonal changes on blood pressure. By incorporating improved physical activity and adopting healthy nutritional patterns, individuals can better manage their blood pressure, ensuring long-term heart health.

More Information

For further information on hypertension, visit the website of the World Health Organization.

Sources

• American Heart Association, news release, Sept 7, 2023