Archive · 16 Jan 2026
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
- When
- During winter months, starting from October
- Where
- India, as discussed by doctors from AIIMS and Medanta Moolchand Heart Centre
- Why
- Blood vessels constrict, circulation slows, and blood thickens in lower temperatures, increasing blood pressure and strain on the heart and kidneys
- 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