On a cold winter morning, it can be tempting to stay under a warm blanket a little longer and postpone the morning walk. For people with high blood pressure, diabetes or a history of heart disease, however, winter calls for a little more attention to their health, cautioned neurologist Dr Deep Das.
Precautions to take before going out in the cold
After waking up on a winter morning, Dr Das advised against going from a heated room into very cold air suddenly. When it comes to lowering the risk of stroke in cold winter mornings, it is the small precautions that matter. “Keep medication routines consistent, stay active in a way that suits your health and avoid excessive exposure to cold. If you have been advised to check your blood pressure at home, keep a record of the readings and discuss unusual changes with your doctor,” advised Dr Das. He highlighted that winter need not mean putting everyday activities on hold. For people at higher risk, a little preparation and an understanding of stroke symptoms can help them make safer choices.
“Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to narrow, which can raise blood pressure. Blood pressure also tends to run higher during winter in some people. Such changes may place additional strain on the cardiovascular system, especially for older adults and those who already have risk factors for stroke,” shared Dr Das with HT Lifestyle.
