The Effect of Cold Temperature on Blood Pressure

Research has demonstrated that cold temperatures can raise blood pressure; while the studies charted exposure to the cold over a period of time, patients with hypertension should never risk exposing themselves to cold weather without dressing properly. You should take precautions against any temperatures that are unusually cold in comparison to what you typically experience and definitely in temperature 41 degrees F or below.

Significance

• According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure increases the risk of a variety of heart problems, most notably heart attacks.

Considerations

• The body restricts blood flow during cold weather in an effort to maintain body temperature and retain heat; however, this survival mechanism restricts blood movement and causes blood pressure to rise.

Research

• Investigation into the effect of cold temperature on blood pressure levels occurred at the University of Florida. Researchers tested varying temperature levels on unmodified mice and simultaneously on genetically modified mice lacking a critical gene related to blood pressure. The blood pressures of the genetically modified mice were substantially less affected by the temperature change than the unmodified mice, signifying that blood pressure is indeed significantly influenced by temperature.

Misconceptions

• While a correlative relationship seems clear, no causal link has yet been demonstrated. Many factors are associated with developing or exacerbating hypertension; proper precautions against the cold are not sufficient to completely reduce the risk of hypertension.

Prevention

• People with hypertension should always be well-prepared for cold weather, taking precautions to limit exposure to the cold by dressing in layers and protecting extremities. Excessive outdoors activity should be kept at a minimum. Elderly people are especially at risk for heart-related problems and should ensure to always be properly dressed for cold weather.