Hypertension is a dangerous condition to live with because it often goes symptomless until the situation becomes severe. If you live with chronic high blood pressure, this causes damage to your blood vessels over time, along with causing your heart to work harder. This puts additional stress on your heart, ultimately leading to a cardiovascular-related problem.
There are many different causes of high blood pressure including sleep disorders, being overweight, stress, high cholesterol, uncontrolled diabetes, and even cold temperatures.
New study findings out of the UK have suggested that keeping the thermostat higher in your home may help ease high blood pressure. The study was conducted by reviewing data collected from 4,695 individuals over the age of 16 who completed lifestyle questionnaires.
The participants were then visited by a nurse who measured ambient temperature in the living room along with measuring systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
The researchers found that with every one-degree Celsius drop in temperature, there was an increase of 0.48 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and 0.45 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure.
For those living in the coolest homes, the average blood pressure was 126.64 mmHg systolic and 74.52 mmHg diastolic. Among those in the warmest homes, systolic blood pressure was 121.12 mmHg and diastolic was 70.51 mmHg.
The relationship between temperature and blood pressure was seen among those who did not exercise, which suggests that exercise may offer protection against temperatures effects on blood pressure.
Senior study author Dr. Stephen Jivraj explained, “Our research has helped to explain the higher rates of hypertension, as well as potential increases in deaths from stroke and heart disease, in the winter months, suggesting indoor temperatures should be taken more seriously in diagnosis and treatment decisions, and in public health messages.”
Patients regularly monitoring their blood pressure at home should factor in the homes internal temperature when determining if their blood pressure is healthy or not.
Also read:
- Understanding blood pressure readings key to overall well-being
- When is the best time to check your blood pressure at home?