A brisk winter walk may be good for the soul, but cold temperatures can raise health risks for people with high blood pressure. Here’s what to know—and how to stay safe.
Winter can affect the body in subtle ways, from tightening muscles to making breathing feel harder. For people with high blood pressure, cold weather can potentially also cause blood pressure to rise—sometimes to dangerous levels.
Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to narrow, which forces the heart to work harder to pump blood. Over time, this extra strain can thicken the heart muscle and reduce how well it works.
High blood pressure can also weaken blood vessels, increasing the risk of aneurysms—bulging, weakened areas in artery walls. If a brain aneurysm or any artery ruptures, it causes a brain bleed, also known as a hemorrhagic stroke, which is a medical emergency. Brain bleeds occur more often during the winter and early spring, according to White Plains Hospital’s Dr. Adam Waddell, a neurointensivist—a critical care physician with specialized training in optimizing and preserving brain function.
Warning signs can be mild or severe.
“Any sudden symptom such as slowed or slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body, or vision changes, combined with very high blood pressure, is concerning for a brain bleed,” Dr. Waddell says.
The American Heart Association recommends keeping blood pressure below 130 (systolic) over 80 (diastolic). Dr. Waddell advises checking blood pressure at home during winter months and calling a doctor if systolic readings regularly reach the 140–150 range.
Simple winter strategies can help keep blood pressure under control:
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BUNDLE UP
- Hats, gloves, and warm shoes help prevent blood vessels from tightening in response to cold.
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KEEP MOVING
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Indoor exercise supports heart health when outdoor activity isn’t possible.
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LIMIT ALCOHOL
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Blood pressure can rise after the effects of alcohol wear off, making moderation important at winter gatherings.
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STICK TO HEALTHY ROUTINES
- Balanced meals, stress management, and good sleep all matter.
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TAKE MEDICATIONS AS DIRECTED
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Consistency helps prevent seasonal spikes.
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PRO TIP: For an accurate blood pressure reading, sit with your feet flat on the floor and legs uncrossed. “Don’t watch the numbers while the cuff is tightening,” Dr. Waddell advises. “That alone can raise your blood pressure.”
Dr. Adam Waddell is a neurointensivist at White Plains Hospital.