It has been shown by different studies that seasonal changes do effect blood pressure values. BP can rise more in winter than in summer. It has also been seen that a small weather change can alter blood pressure significantly. Blood vessels get costricted in cold climate, thus increasing afterload of heart, making the heart work harder to pump blood through the vessels. In this way oxygen to heart cells decreases remarkably. As climate and season change many people who are even taking hypertensive medicine may find it difficult to control blood pressure. During the winter season we see more cases of heart attack (Myocardial infarction) and stroke (CVA), due to the fact that blood pressure rises in winter.

Here are some ways to control your blood pressure in winter.

1-Monitor blood pressure - Watch your blood pressure level frequently during the winter so you can see any changes and fluctuation in BP values. Write down all your BP values in a note pad, so you can show this to your doctor. So your doctor will be able to decide wheather to increase the dose of antihypertensive drugs or change with combination therapy.

2: Start Exercing regularly: - If you are not exercising then start it now. Take your gym membership during winter season or you may use a treadmill and exercise bike. so you can continue to exercise during cold climate. Studies has shown that exercise helps in lowering blood pressure and make muscles of heart more stronger and prevent the risk of myocardial infarction and cerebral stroke.

3 -Avoid Weight gain in Winter: If your weight increases in winter this will be another negative point for your heart and blood pressure. Adopt a healthy diet plan all through the year so your weight doesn't increase and cause your blood pressure to rise. Take plenty of water and vegetables during winter season.

4.Avoid Strenuous Activity: Avoid strenuous activities like shoveling snow.- If you are a body builder and a muscular man then it is ok, otherwise avoid strenuous activity like shoveling heavy snow for long periods of time. If you are having a situation where you must shovel snow, then you should do this in small increments so you don't overwork your heart.

5 -Consult Your Doctor - It is very important specially when your blood pressure is not coming down and you are above 65 years of age. Always take advice of your doctor. Your doctor may change your medicine and it may help you stay healthier always all the time.

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jeetender gupta from new delhi

thanks to this website which help me to know the side effect of high bp in winter in a very short line.i am 36 years old and my normal bp is 140/90 despite my routine walk during my working hour i have faced twice time bleeding from nose. i am 117 kg and 6' of height.

Posted at 11:07:am 12/19/11