Scientists Find Possible Link Between Hypertension Control And Winters

Washington D.C. (AHN) - High blood pressure is tougher to control during winter than it is during summer, researchers at Georgetown University claim. A five-year study found people treated in the summer were on average 8 percent more likely to see their blood pressure come down to healthy levels.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs team analyzed data on 443,632 veterans treated for hypertension and concluded that a person tends to vasoconstrict [blood vessels narrow] in a cold atmosphere thus restricting the blood flow, which further leads to high blood pressure.

Other factors include cold medicines, which people take in the winter, can raise blood pressure in the same way as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers can. Scientists also say that people tend to consume comparatively more alcohol and coffee in winter, both of which can raise blood pressure.

Also, we lead a more sedentary lifestyle in the winter, staying inside and eating more, which can directly lead to weight gain that also contributes to hypertension. Lead researcher Dr. Ross Fletcher told BBC news, "People gain weight in the winter and lose weight in the summer. People tend to exercise more in the summer and less in the winter."

Experts also believe that people might eat more salty foods in winter, which are strongly linked to raised blood pressure. The study, reported to the American Heart Association, analyzed electronic health records from 15 VA hospitals in cities throughout the U.S.

People with a blood pressure reading of more than 140 mm Hg systolic or more than 90 mm Hg diastolic on three separate days were identified as hypertensive. Though hypertension usually has no symptoms, it can lead to major health problems including stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure. It is also the leading cause of premature death world-wide.