With drop in mercury to sub-freezing temperatures in the valley, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) today warned that cold weather significantly increases blood pressure.
President DAK Dr Nisar ul Hassan in a statement said when winter arrives and temperature drops there is one place the mercury actually rises-in blood pressure gauges. “Hypertension (high blood pressure) is harder to control in cold weather. Various studies have shown that winter brings elevated blood pressure in adults, children and elderly. In a study, blood pressure was found to be 30 mm Hg higher in winter than at other times.
Frigid temperatures constrict blood vessels which increases blood pressure because more pressure is needed to force blood through narrowed vessels.”
“Hormones, like adrenaline, that help control blood pressure also increase in winter and they play a role. Lack of sunlight during winter reduces vitamin D levels which increases blood pressure. People are sedentary in winter, staying inside and eating more, that causes weight gain which contributes to hypertension. Also, over-the- counter medication for common cold could be a factor. In Kashmir every third person is hypertensive. Many are unaware that they have it.
Every time you visit the doctor, check your blood pressure- it is an important medical precaution.”
REFERENCE:
Jan 11 2017.Winter increases blood pressure: DAK.Greater kashmir.retrieved from
http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/life-style/winter-increases-blood-pressure-dak/238463.html
