This article will discuss the control measures for blood pressure during winter. We will also address some common questions related to Blood pressure.
Blood pressure is the pressure by which blood is circulated in the arteries as the heart pumps it throughout the body. Before understanding blood pressure, understanding the mechanism of the heart pumping blood is essential:
Blood is pumped in the heart and moved to the lungs to pick oxygen and further pumped back into the heart and then circulated to the body. This pumping is done by the heart's electric system. In this electric system two nodes are involved Sinoatrial (SA) and Atrioventricular (AV) and blood pressure is the measure of two numbers, Systolic pressure and Diastolic pressure.
Systolic pressure is when the heart pumps blood out of the heart and diastolic pressure represents the time between these beats. A normal range of Blood pressure is around 120/80 mmHg. In the case of consistently lower blood pressure, it is referred to as hypotension and when it is high it is called hypertension.
Winter Affects Blood Pressure
Winter has a significant impact on our blood pressure due to some physiological changes that occur during winter.
Vasoconstriction
Due to cold temperature blood vessels constrict (narrow), which is called vasoconstriction. This forces the heart to pump harder, leading to rise in blood pressure.
Reduce Physical Activities
During winters we reduce our outdoor activities leading to more sedimentary life. Lack of exercise will lead to higher blood pressure.
High Calories Diet
In winter we carve for warm and increase consumption of salt and unsaturated fat leading to high blood pressure
Dehydration
During winter our water consumption is reduced, due to the reduced thirst sensation. Dehydration leads to blood thickness and an increase in blood pressure.
Aged person
Aged and persons with pre-existing conditions have less flexible blood vessels. It makes them more vulnerable to winter's effect on blood pressure.
Why is it important
Uncontrolled Blood pressure leads to increased risk of heart attack, strokes and kidney damage during winter. Controlling Blood pressure is important throughout the year, but in winter it is very challenging. Understanding the impact of winter on blood pressure can help us improve our overall health of the heart and reduce the risk of any major issues.
Tips to Control Your Blood Pressure During Winter
Stay warm
cold temperature spikes blood pressure, staying warm is a simple way to reduce the risk. Dressing appropriately, wearing multiple layers of clothes.
Avoid exposure
if you want to go outside do so gradually so your body can adjust to the temperature outside.
A heating system in the Home
Ensure a proper heating mechanism in the home, especially in the bedroom.
Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential during the winter season. If any abnormal spike is measured consult your physician. The healthcare provider will guide you through some lifestyle adjustments.
Staying Active
Exercise plays a vital role in managing blood pressure during winter. If you discourage outdoor activities. You can consider Indoor workouts, training at home and practising aerobics can also be helpful. Regular workout and brisk walks improves health and reduces stress and help maintain blood pressure levels
Healthy Diet
During winter consider managing your calorie intake. Consider adding fruits and vegetables, it will fulfil the nutritional needs and also maintain food intake. Reduce saturated fat intake, to maintain the weight of your body. During winter weight gain is common and maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for blood pressure control.
- Stay hydrated: drinking a high amount of water prevents dehydration.
- Alcohol and Caffeine: both can elevate blood pressure, in case consumed in excess amounts. Also, avoid smoking, it has a significant impact on blood pressure and heart health.
- Getting Adequate sleep: quality sleep is always essential, but in winter it plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure
- Take medication: if a person is already on medication for hypertension, you should stick to it and also understand the signs, recognizing the symptoms of uncontrolled blood pressure during winter is essential.
Tests to Measure Blood Pressure
Regularly monitoring and controlling blood pressure is important in winter. Techniques used in regular testing,
Blood pressure monitoring, regularly monitor blood pressure at home in case of hypertension condition or go for regular check-ups with your physician
Blood Tests
- Lipid profile: checking cholesterol level high cholesterol can worsen hypertension (Book Now)
- Blood glucose level: hypertension is commonly related to diabetes. (Book Now)
- In kidney function test: elevated blood urea nitrogen level is associated with blood pressure (Book Now)
- ECG: detects heart activities and monitors any abnormality caused by blood pressure. (Book Now)
Consistent testing ensures timely intervention and reduces risk.
Conclusion
Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of arteries and veins. During winter, blood pressure can alter due to temperature irregularities. Winter can affect blood pressure due to the constriction of veins. People need to be careful and keep their bodies warm, take fluids, avoid direct to-freezing temperatures, stay active etc. Various tests can be used to detect BP conditions like BP checkups, lipid profiles etc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of arteries and veins. During winter, blood pressure can alter due to temperature irregularities. Winter can affect blood pressure due to the constriction of veins.
What are the Various symptoms related to Blood Pressure Abnormalities?
Various symptoms related to BP abnormalities include headache, dizziness, blurred vision etc.
When to go for a BP test?
A person should regularly check their BP to keep track of any sudden fatal incidents.
What is the ICD-10 code for BP Test Unspecified?
The ICD-10 code for unspecified BP is Z01.3.
Which Ganesh Diagnostic Centre is near me in Delhi for the BP Tests?
Ganesh Diagnostic centres for BP Tests are at Rohini, Nangloi, Model Town, Hari Nagar, Mangol Puri and Yamuna Vihar.
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