In fact, after entering the winter, the blood pressure rises due to thermal expansion and contraction. Just like substances expand when heated and contract when cooled, the same is true for human blood vessels. They will dilate and contract under the influence of temperature. In warm and hot spring and summer, the blood vessels will dilate. But, when the temperature drops in winter, the blood vessels will contract because of the higher pressure.
Under this principle, even if we are healthy people, we will have fluctuations in blood pressure in winter, which will be more noticeable to people with high blood pressure. And blood pressure is likely difficult to control.
Winter is a difficult time for blood pressure patients. Especially the elderly, whose physical functions are already much worse than before. The symptoms of high blood pressure will be easier to show up for the elderly. They may feel dizzy and headache if blood pressure is a little abnormal, and the body suffers more pain. So for the elderly, how can they spend the winter more comfortably and safely？
Keep warm
The elderly may be more sensitive to temperature changes because all aspects of the body’s functions are not as good as when they were young. The best way is to wear more clothes to keep the body at a constant temperature and wear a mask to keep the face temperature when out.
Avoid taking off clothes immediately when you get home because it is easy to catch a cold. After exercising, we must wipe it in time if we have sweat to avoid sweat evaporation that causes the skin temperature to be too low and irritates the blood vessels.
Healthy diet
The taste of the elderly is not sensitive as young, so they may add a lot of salt when cooking, but the sodium contained in salt will affect blood pressure. Therefore, it is best to reduce the amount of salt in our meals. No more than 6 grams a day is recommended.
We can have more potassium-rich foods such as spinach, tomatoes, beans, black beans, celery and grapefruit, bananas, lemons, etc. Once our body contains more potassium, the absorption of sodium will be reduced, which can effectively lower blood pressure.
Drink some tea
Finally, we can drink some tea. The tea contains tea polyphenols, which can protect blood vessels. However, strong tea can stimulate nerves and make us excited. Thus tea with a light taste is a suitable selection.
Have blood pressure measurement
We can have blood pressure measurements at home to trace our blood pressure. For pressure monitors selection, the most suitable sphygmomanometer is an electronic one with FDA or CE approval. When buying the monitors, we have to choose the proper blood pressure cuff according to the upper arm circumference as the cuff size would affect the blood pressure.
During the measurement, we have to keep relaxing and our arms at the same level as the heart. It is better to have two times a day in the morning and evening because our blood pressure changes with time. Do not be anxious if there is pressure fluctuation less than 20mmHg. When it is higher than 20mmHg, we need to visit our doctor for advice.
