Winter Affect Blood Pressure

WEATHER or environmental conditions can affect health conditions, one of which is blood pressure that is difficult to control in the winter, said by a group of researchers. 

The veterans who handled her health in the winter, rarely reaching the pressure to normal levels compared to those treated in the summer of his health, said researchers at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association Physician of America (USA) recently. 

The results for five years to focus on blood pressure as much as 443,632 members of U.S. veterans who suffer from hypertension or high blood pressure in 15 cities, including areas that far north, Alaska, San Juan, Puerto Rico. In each place the researchers found only a few veterans regardless of ethnic or gender was found his blood pressure at normal levels when examined in the winter than in summer.

"We see a seasonal variation in those cities," said Dr. Ross Fletcher's chief of staff at the health of the U.S. Veterans Health Center in Washington, who became chairman of the research team. 

High blood pressure usually show no symptoms, but can be a major cause for a number of health problems including stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure. High blood pressure problems can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication. 

Only less than 8% of patients with hypertension have normal blood pressure at the time of examination in the winter than in summer examinations. 

"About 60% of patients showed changes in blood pressure in the winter," said Fletcher added. 

Fletcher said the researchers did not explain what causes this condition but it did not occur because of temperature changes that occur in winter or based on the position of those cities (longitude or latitude on how). 

According to Fletcher's condition was likely caused by weight gain, and changes in eating habits and reduced physical activity during the winter. He said the data showed the veterans gain weight during the winter, and weight gain can cause high blood pressure. 

"In my opinion high blood pressure does not cause weight gain but just the opposite, weight gain causes an increase in blood pressure," said Fletcher. 

He said in the winter people tend to eat a salty meal, which would certainly raise blood pressure. 

"From the amount of data on seasonal changes in cases of heart attacks and strokes also increased in number during the winter," said Dr. Robert Bonow of Northwestern University who became a spokesman for the U.S. Heart Association of Physicians. 

"It should be broad awareness that the possibility their blood pressure under control is difficult in winter, because they need to be more careful during the season," said Fletcher.