We are starting the seasons of the year that mark the gradual drops in temperature and with them increase colds, flu and also the tendency of circulatory changes, such as increased blood pressure. Did you know that there is a direct relationship between a drop in temperature and an increase in blood pressure? This affects more directly individuals with Systemic Arterial Hypertension, the popular: “high blood pressure”.
This occurs by a natural mechanism called homeostasis, that is, regardless of the ambient temperature, nature uses several mechanisms to keep our body temperature constant, close to 36.5°C.
One of these mechanisms is the activation of the sympathetic system, characterized by an increase in heart rate, vasoconstriction of the vessels and an increase in blood sugar concentration. As our blood pressure is a product of heart rate and vascular resistance, when they rise in periods of lower temperature, blood pressure ends up rising, even in individuals who are not hypertensive.
In addition to this physiological effect caused by declining temperatures, there are changes in people's habits: we increase the intake of carbohydrates and fats, and we also decrease physical activity, since the cold inhibits people from being in open environments such as parks and clubs.
For individuals already diagnosed as hypertensive and for those who are not hypertensive or pre-hypertensive, it is important to emphasize that maintaining an adequate diet and regular physical activity is essential to prevent the complications of hypertension, such as heart attack, stroke.
In addition, hypertensive patients should maintain regular use of their medication in addition to making regular appointments with their doctor.
Some tips can help you avoid hypertension and its complications:
Doing regular physical activities, even routine walks, already prevent cardiovascular diseases;
Control weight;
Healthy eating;
Decrease the intake of sodium (salt) in food;
For those already hypertensive, use the prescribed medication regularly.