Cold winter weather constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure, significantly raising the risk of a stroke, especially for the elderly and those with hypertension, making regular blood pressure monitoring, proper medication adherence, and awareness of FAST stroke symptoms essential for prevention and early intervention

Cold winter weather constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure, significantly raising the risk of a stroke, especially for the elderly and those with hypertension, making regular blood pressure monitoring, proper medication adherence, and awareness of FAST stroke symptoms essential for prevention and early intervention

Cold winter weather constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure, significantly raising the risk of a stroke, especially for the elderly and those with hypertension, making regular blood pressure monitoring, proper medication adherence, and awareness of FAST stroke symptoms essential for prevention and early intervention

The winter season can cause several health issues, and if you're an elderly person or suffer from high blood pressure, a stroke can be one of these. In some people, the risk of having a stroke can increase during this time of the season. It is therefore really important to look after your health and regularly check your blood pressure. 

Why does it happen during the winter?

When it gets cold, your body will try to keep warm by constricting your blood vessels. This is known as vasoconstriction. This causes your heart to work harder to pump your blood around, causing an increase in blood pressure.

Having high blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for a stroke. Over time, it can cause damage to your blood vessels, making them more prone to blockage or rupture. 

A stroke occurs when there is a blockage to the blood vessel that goes to the brain or a rupture of a blood vessel in your brain. Brain cells will begin to die due to lack of blood and oxygen in minutes. 

Whilst cold weather isn't the sole cause of strokes, it can increase the risk, especially in those who have existing health issues. During the winter, your blood pressure can increase without obvious symptoms. You may feel perfectly fine when your BP is dangerously high, so it's important to regularly monitor your BP.

If you're already on medication for high blood pressure, it can be very useful to check it at home. 

  • To ensure accurate readings, sit down and relax for 5 minutes 
  • Ensure your back is supported, your feet are flat on the floor and your arm is at heart height
  • Ensure your cuff fits well
  • Avoid drinking tea/ coffee, smoking or exercising for around 30 minutes prior
  • Take note of your readings and pass them onto your doctor when required
  • Take your medication as prescribed
  • Don't change the dose or stop your medication without medical advice

There are a few simple things we can do to look after our health when it gets cold: 

  • Wear warm clothing, including warmers for head and hands/feet
  • Eat a healthy diet and cut down on salt
  • Be active indoors
  • Drink plenty of fluids and do not smoke
  • Monitor your BP
  • Attend regular appointments with your doctor and take heed of medical advice

Remember the warning signs of a stroke

  • F- Face: The face will droop on one side 
  • A- Arms: One arm will feel weak and/or heavy
  • S- Speech: Speech will become slurred
  • T- Time: Call emergency services straight away

If you experience any of these symptoms, do not wait for them to subside. Take action immediately. Cold weather can put extra strain on the heart and blood vessels. Doing something as simple as monitoring your blood pressure can make a huge impact. Keep warm, monitor your BP and take action if you notice any signs of a stroke.

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(The author is the chairman and head, Neurology, Max Hospital, Saket)

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.

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