Winter weather ups risk for poor blood pressure control
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Key takeaways:
- People with hypertension had higher systolic BP during winter vs. summer months.
- BP control rates also decreased during winter months.
People with hypertension are more likely to have higher systolic BP and slightly worse BP control during winter vs. summer months, researchers reported at the American Heart Association Hypertension Scientific Sessions.
“Seasonal variation in blood pressure has a substantial effect on hypertension control, often defined as a BP of less than 140/90 mm Hg,” Robert Barrett, a software engineer with the AMA, told Healio. “Patients with hypertension are less likely to have their BP controlled during winter than summer months.”
In a retrospective study, Barrett and colleagues analyzed data from 60,676 patients with hypertension from six health care organizations in the southeast and midwestern U.S. that were engaged in an AMA-supported quality improvement program (mean age, 62 years; 59.7% women; 52.3% white). The included patients had no antihypertensive medication class changes and at least one visit during each temperate season, defined as December to February vs. June to August (2018-2023). Researchers estimated the seasonal effect on average systolic BP and BP control.
Across 453,787 qualifying visits, systolic BP during the winter months averaged 0.47 mm Hg higher than fall months (95% CI, 0.364-0.573), with a lower OR for BP control (OR = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.91-0.94). During the summer, average systolic BP was 0.92 mm Hg lower, with a higher likelihood of BP control (OR = 1.1; 95% CI, 1.07-1.12).
“If the BP is very well controlled, for example to less than 130/80 mm Hg, then seasonal variation will have little effect on control to less than 140/90 mm Hg,” Barrett told Healio. “However, if BP is not well controlled, then patients near the 140/90 mm Hg level could benefit from monitoring their BP pressure regularly, closer medical follow-up, and avoiding decreased physical activity and increased weight toward year-end. Some patients may benefit from increased pharmacological intervention to keep BP controlled during the winter.”
Barrett said the amount of time BP is maintained in the recommended range is emerging as an important determinant of risk for heart disease and stroke.
“Thus, time in control with respect to seasonal changes may be an opportunity for future research,” Barrett said.
Reference:
- Cold weather may pose challenges to treating high blood pressure. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/cold-weather-may-pose-challenges-to-treating-high-blood-pressure. Published Sept. 7, 2023. Accessed Sept. 7, 2023.
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Barrett RB, et al. Abstract 463. Presented at: American Heart Association Hypertension Scientific Sessions; Sept. 7-10, 2023; Boston.
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