Monitoring Your Blood Pressure During the Winter Holidays
Winter has arrived! Snow-covered rooftops, glistening icicles, snow boots, gloves, toques and layered clothes.
Are you loving it or simply dreading it? Those who love skiing and snowmobiling and the Rockies in BC are doing the boogie! But some people, especially the vulnerable ones, should keep a closer eye on their heath with the dropping temperature.
Cold weather can worsen hypertension or high blood pressure, particularly in older people.
This is a medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries is increased making the heart work harder to circulate blood in the vessels.
An inactive lifestyle during the cold winter months can complicate the condition in the elderly.
Additionally, the risk for acquiring primary hypertension increases with less physical activity.
This medical condition does not have a known discernible cause.
When a high blood pressure is caused by an underlying condition it is called secondary hypertension.
This type may occur suddenly.
This is caused by kidney problems, adrenal gland tumors, congenital defects in blood vessels, medications like birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over the counter pain relievers and other prescription drugs and illegal drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines.
BP is measured by getting the systolic over diastolic.
This is why it is often called the 'silent killer.
' Few people do experience dull headaches, some dizziness and more nosebleed than normal.
Routine doctor's appointment would usually include a check up for hypertension.
Research shows that most cases of this condition are diagnosed in men until the age of 45.
Both men and women are equally at risk between the ages of 45-54, and after the age of 54 women become more at risk than men.
During the winter holidays it is important to keep leading a healthy lifestyle to prevent this disease since minimal signs and symptoms are exhibited with the condition.
Staying healthy during the holidays would mean maintaining a healthy weight; eating fresh fruits and vegetables daily; being physically active by exercising for 30 minutes each day; consuming foods with less sodium; drinking alcoholic beverages in moderation; quitting smoking; choosing low-fat dairy products; taking BP medication as advised; monitoring BP; and managing stress - you do not have to say yes to all those party invitations.
It's all right to say no.
Are you loving it or simply dreading it? Those who love skiing and snowmobiling and the Rockies in BC are doing the boogie! But some people, especially the vulnerable ones, should keep a closer eye on their heath with the dropping temperature.
Cold weather can worsen hypertension or high blood pressure, particularly in older people.
This is a medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries is increased making the heart work harder to circulate blood in the vessels.
An inactive lifestyle during the cold winter months can complicate the condition in the elderly.
Additionally, the risk for acquiring primary hypertension increases with less physical activity.
This medical condition does not have a known discernible cause.
When a high blood pressure is caused by an underlying condition it is called secondary hypertension.
This type may occur suddenly.
This is caused by kidney problems, adrenal gland tumors, congenital defects in blood vessels, medications like birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over the counter pain relievers and other prescription drugs and illegal drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines.
BP is measured by getting the systolic over diastolic.
- Normal: systolic is less than 130/ diastolic is less than 85
- High Normal: systolic is 130-139/diastolic is 85-89
- High: systolic is greater than 140/ diastolic is greater than 90.
This is why it is often called the 'silent killer.
' Few people do experience dull headaches, some dizziness and more nosebleed than normal.
Routine doctor's appointment would usually include a check up for hypertension.
Research shows that most cases of this condition are diagnosed in men until the age of 45.
Both men and women are equally at risk between the ages of 45-54, and after the age of 54 women become more at risk than men.
During the winter holidays it is important to keep leading a healthy lifestyle to prevent this disease since minimal signs and symptoms are exhibited with the condition.
Staying healthy during the holidays would mean maintaining a healthy weight; eating fresh fruits and vegetables daily; being physically active by exercising for 30 minutes each day; consuming foods with less sodium; drinking alcoholic beverages in moderation; quitting smoking; choosing low-fat dairy products; taking BP medication as advised; monitoring BP; and managing stress - you do not have to say yes to all those party invitations.
It's all right to say no.
Source...