Blood Pressure Control Decreases in Winter Months, Study Finds
A new study has found that blood pressure control among hypertensive patients slightly decreases during the winter months. The research reveals that rates of systolic blood pressure being controlled during outpatient visits were slightly lower in winter. The study, presented at a scientific meeting focused on high blood pressure and its relationship to various health conditions, sheds light on the seasonal variations in blood pressure.
According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of adults in the US have high blood pressure, making it a prevalent health concern. Previous studies have shown that blood pressure varies with the seasons, particularly in systolic blood pressure. This measurement is the top number in a blood pressure reading that indicates the pressure in blood vessels during heartbeats. In this study, researchers aimed to understand whether blood pressure control, defined as readings below 140/90 mm Hg for patients with hypertension, varied across seasons.
Lead study author, Robert B. Barrett, expressed surprise at the substantial change in blood pressure control between winter and summer months, despite the smaller degree of systolic blood pressure variation compared to previous research on seasonality. He suggests that individuals with hypertension or near-hypertensive values could benefit from regular blood pressure monitoring, increased physical activity, and improved nutritional patterns during the winter season to counteract the adverse effects of seasonal blood pressure changes.
For the study, researchers reviewed electronic health records of over 60,000 adults being treated for hypertension at six healthcare centers. The participants remained on their prescribed antihypertensive medications throughout the study period. The centers, located in the Southeast and Midwest regions of the US, included a range of healthcare facilities. Seasonal blood pressure readings were analyzed to discern variations in blood pressure control during winter (December through February) versus summer months (June through August). The study participants had an average age of 62 years, with a majority identifying as white race and female.
The analysis of the health records revealed that, on average, participants experienced an increase of up to 1.7 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure during winter compared to summer. Additionally, the study found that blood pressure control rates decreased by up to 5% in the winter months.
Moving forward, the authors suggest investigating the frequency of heart disease and deaths during each season to gain further insights into the impacts of seasonal blood pressure changes.
Although the study has certain limitations such as incomplete health histories in the electronic records and data retrieved from a specific institution, it provides valuable information regarding the connection between blood pressure control and seasonal variations.
In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of monitoring blood pressure, particularly during the winter months when control rates appear to decrease. Patients with hypertension or near-hypertensive values should prioritize regular blood pressure checks, maintain a physically active lifestyle, and adopt healthy eating habits to mitigate the effects of seasonal fluctuations in blood pressure. By staying proactive, individuals can better manage their blood pressure and safeguard their cardiovascular health throughout the year.
