Is it normal to have high blood pressure in winter?
Why your numbers might rise when the temperature dropsāand what you can do about it. Winter brings more than cold hands and cozy nights. Colder months can also bring higher blood pressure. But why does this happenāand how can you stay ahead of it?
ā
āļø Why blood pressure rises in cold weather
When itās cold, your blood vessels narrow to help keep your body warm. But this makes it harder for blood to flow, which increases pressure inside your arteriesāespecially if you already have high blood pressure.
Other winter factors that can also raise your numbers:
- Less physical activity
- Heavier comfort foods
- Higher stress levels (hello, holidays!)
- Missing medications while traveling or out of routine
š What to Watch For
You may not feel different, but winter spikes can raise your risk for:
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Kidney problems
Check your BP at home more often during the colder monthsāespecially if you're outdoors a lot, or feeling extra stressed.
ā
š§£ What You Can Do
- Bundle up: Keep your body warm, especially hands and feet
- Stay active: Even indoor stretching or walking helps circulation
- Stick to your meds: Set a phone reminder or sync with a daily habit
- Watch the salt: Canned soups and comfort meals can sneak in extra sodium
- Talk to your provider: If your readings are higher than usual, donāt wait
š” Final Thought
Cold weather is out of your controlābut your health plan isnāt. Take a few extra steps this winter to protect your heart and keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.
Helpful Resources:
- American Heart Association ā Cold Weather and Heart Health
- CDC ā High Blood Pressure Management
ā
Why your numbers might rise when the temperature dropsāand what you can do about it. Winter brings more than cold hands and cozy nights. Colder months can also bring higher blood pressure. But why does this happenāand how can you stay ahead of it?
ā
āļø Why blood pressure rises in cold weather
When itās cold, your blood vessels narrow to help keep your body warm. But this makes it harder for blood to flow, which increases pressure inside your arteriesāespecially if you already have high blood pressure.
Other winter factors that can also raise your numbers:
- Less physical activity
- Heavier comfort foods
- Higher stress levels (hello, holidays!)
- Missing medications while traveling or out of routine
š What to Watch For
You may not feel different, but winter spikes can raise your risk for:
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Kidney problems
Check your BP at home more often during the colder monthsāespecially if you're outdoors a lot, or feeling extra stressed.
ā
š§£ What You Can Do
- Bundle up: Keep your body warm, especially hands and feet
- Stay active: Even indoor stretching or walking helps circulation
- Stick to your meds: Set a phone reminder or sync with a daily habit
- Watch the salt: Canned soups and comfort meals can sneak in extra sodium
- Talk to your provider: If your readings are higher than usual, donāt wait
š” Final Thought
Cold weather is out of your controlābut your health plan isnāt. Take a few extra steps this winter to protect your heart and keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.
Helpful Resources:
- American Heart Association ā Cold Weather and Heart Health
- CDC ā High Blood Pressure Management
ā
Why your numbers might rise when the temperature dropsāand what you can do about it. Winter brings more than cold hands and cozy nights. Colder months can also bring higher blood pressure. But why does this happenāand how can you stay ahead of it?
ā
āļø Why blood pressure rises in cold weather
When itās cold, your blood vessels narrow to help keep your body warm. But this makes it harder for blood to flow, which increases pressure inside your arteriesāespecially if you already have high blood pressure.
Other winter factors that can also raise your numbers:
- Less physical activity
- Heavier comfort foods
- Higher stress levels (hello, holidays!)
- Missing medications while traveling or out of routine
š What to Watch For
You may not feel different, but winter spikes can raise your risk for:
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Kidney problems
Check your BP at home more often during the colder monthsāespecially if you're outdoors a lot, or feeling extra stressed.
ā
š§£ What You Can Do
- Bundle up: Keep your body warm, especially hands and feet
- Stay active: Even indoor stretching or walking helps circulation
- Stick to your meds: Set a phone reminder or sync with a daily habit
- Watch the salt: Canned soups and comfort meals can sneak in extra sodium
- Talk to your provider: If your readings are higher than usual, donāt wait
š” Final Thought
Cold weather is out of your controlābut your health plan isnāt. Take a few extra steps this winter to protect your heart and keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.
Helpful Resources:
- American Heart Association ā Cold Weather and Heart Health
- CDC ā High Blood Pressure Management
ā
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