High blood pressure is a common, but life-threatening diagnosis that increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Most notably caused by diet and lifestyle, one surprising factor has now been linked to the health condition
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious health diagnosis that can lead to life-threatening strokes and heart attacks if not kept under control.
Diet plays a major part in the development of high blood pressure, but research published in the Journal of Hypertension now suggests your home’s warmth could also play a significant role.
The researchers found that lower indoor temperatures at home were correlated with higher blood pressure readings.
In fact, they found that for every 1C drop in indoor temperature, there was a significant rise in blood pressure – 0.48 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and 0.45 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure.
“Our research has helped to explain the higher rates of hypertension, as well as potential increases in deaths from stroke and heart disease, in the winter months,” said Dr Stephen Jivraj.
The lead researcher from the UCL (University College London) Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care added: “Indoor temperatures should be taken more seriously in diagnosis and treatment decisions, and in public health messages.”
He further commented on the findings: “Among other diet and lifestyle changes people can make to reduce high blood pressure, our findings suggest that keeping homes a bit warmer could also be beneficial.”
Co-author Hongde Zhao of UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care noted: “We would suggest that clinicians take indoor temperature into consideration, as it could affect a diagnosis if someone has borderline hypertension, and people with cooler homes may also need higher doses of medications.”
The findings further imply that maintaining adequate heating at home throughout winter might mitigate hypertension spikes and associated cardiovascular risks.
Although the study didn’t pinpoint an exact warm home threshold, the suggestion from the researchers was keeping living rooms at least at 21C for overall health benefits.
Factors that can spike blood pressure
The NHS highlighted several lifestyle factors that may contribute to elevated blood pressure levels, including excessive salt consumption, insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables, lack of exercise, overindulgence in alcohol or coffee, smoking habits, and poor sleep quality.
Blood pressure can be determined at your local GP clinic or at home with a blood pressure monitor.
“Blood pressure readings between 120/80mmHg and 140/90mmHg could mean you’re at risk of developing high blood pressure if you do not take steps to keep your blood pressure under control,” the NHS warns.
