7 months ago
Cold Weather Triggers Silent Hypertension and Kidney Risks
Cold weather can make high blood pressure worse, even if you exercise and eat healthy.
Two people, Anita Singhal and Mahendra Pratap, have been dealing with this.
Anita has had high blood pressure for over 20 years and now has kidney problems because of it.
Her blood pressure shot up to 208/110 mmHg one night, which is very dangerous.
Doctors say that in winter, blood vessels get narrower, and the heart has to work harder.
This can lead to more heart attacks and other problems.
They advise people to keep taking their medicine, stay warm, and monitor their blood pressure closely during winter.
Exercise is also important to keep the heart and kidneys healthy.
Anita Singhal's blood pressure spiked to 208/110 mmHg despite her healthy lifestyle and regular exercise.
Prolonged hypertension led to nephrotic syndrome, causing kidney damage and a vicious cycle of fluid retention and elevated BP.
Cold weather constricts blood vessels, slows circulation, and thickens blood, increasing blood pressure and heart strain.
Many patients require higher medication doses in winter, and some are diagnosed with hypertension for the first time.
Regular monitoring and physical activity are crucial to managing blood pressure and preventing complications during winter.
- Who
- Anita Singhal and Mahendra Pratap, both diagnosed with hypertension
- What
- Cold weather triggers silent hypertension and kidney risks, requiring increased medication and monitoring
- Where
- India, as discussed by doctors from AIIMS and Medanta Moolchand Heart Centre
- When
- During winter months, starting from October
- Why
- Blood vessels constrict, circulation slows, and blood thickens in lower temperatures, increasing blood pressure and strain on the heart and kidneys
Key facts
- Anita Singhal's BP
- 208/110 mmHg
- Anita Singhal's Condition
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Dr. Sandeep Mahajan's Role
- Professor, Department of Nephrology, AIIMS
- Dr. Tarun Kumar's Role
- Senior Director, Medanta Moolchand Heart Centre
- Winter BP Increase
- 20-30% more heart attack cases
- Winter Hypertension Patients
- 40% of OPD patients
- Winter BP Management
- Increased medication and monitoring
- Physical Activity Benefits
- Strengthens heart, reduces arterial stiffness, manages weight
Quotes
Dr Sandeep Mahajan
Professor at the Department of Nephrology, AIIMS
“Starting October, we advise patients to monitor their blood pressure closely, even when on medication. Those who are unaware of this seasonal effect often face the most problems. If blood pressure rises in older adults, the chances of complications are higher.”
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“During winters, many patients, who are well-controlled on a certain number of medications, may require an additional dose. If they do not monitor their blood pressure regularly, they may not realize it has increased. This can accelerate kidney disease.”
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Dr Tarun Kumar
Senior director, Medanta Moolchand Heart Centre
“Then there are metabolic changes as people tend to eat more and reduce physical activity, which in turn lead to weight gain and poor blood sugar control. Reduced sweating during winter increases intravascular fluid volume, which further raises blood pressure. Another major concern is the higher risk of clot formation due to hormonal changes, reduced activity and clotting abnormalities, increasing the chances of thrombosis. Together, these changes increase blood pressure and put additional strain on the heart.”
indianexpress.com
“Many people fail to notice rising blood pressure because hypertension is largely asymptomatic, especially in the early stages. Worst, those on medication tend to discontinue it once their levels are normal and have a rebound. BP medication needs to be taken at the same time everyday for consistency and ensuring the drug has stable levels which can in turn stabilise BP throughout the day.”
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Mahendra Pratap
Hypertension patient diagnosed four years ago
“I keep myself under layers and have warm water.”
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