Can weather affect blood pressure?
Ask the doctor
Q. My systolic blood pressure is 40 points higher in winter than in the summer (160 to 180 versus 120 to 140 mm Hg). Do the seasons affect blood pressure?
A. Yes, seasons can affect blood pressure. Some people with borderline high blood pressure can have higher readings in the winter. And their pressure can get high enough to need medicine to control it. When spring comes, they might be able to back down on the dose or stop the medicine once summer comes.
The leading theory for higher blood pressure in a colder winter is related to tension in the arteries. When our bodies are cold, our blood vessels clamp down to keep heat in. This raises blood pressure in some people.
I have to admit, though, that your big swings in blood pressure are very unusual. So I wonder about two other possible reasons that might apply to you:
- Seasonal weight gain: During the winter — especially around the holidays — people tend to eat more and exercise less than they should. The resulting weight gain causes blood pressure to rise.
- Too much salt in your diet: This also raises blood pressure. You're likely to be hanging around the house come wintertime. And if you get a bit bored and hungry, you might raid the refrigerator and kitchen cabinets for salty foods. That could explain the seasonal increase.
By the way, be careful about vigorous exercise in cold weather. With the rise in your blood pressure, exercise in cold weather could put too much strain on your heart.
Image: © vitapix/Getty Images
About the Author
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
