Cold weather sends blood pressures soaring putting people at risk of stroke.

This year's cold weather is putting more people at risk of stroke as blood pressures increase as a result of the freezing temperatures. High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stroke and research has shown that colder temperatures can be linked to increased blood pressure, especially in the elderly.

Although the exact reasons for raised blood pressure in the winter are undetermined, it is believed that cold weather can cause arteries to constrict and the blood to thicken, meaning that the blood has to be pumped harder in order to travel around the body.

As Britain experiences one of the coldest winters on record people should be taking extra precautions to stay warm and reduce their risk of stroke.

The Stroke Association offers the following advice for staying warm and healthy during the winter months:

close curtains and shut doors to keep heat in the rooms used the most. Ideal room temperature is 18- 21°C

get your blood pressure checked and visit your GP or other health professional if your reading is high

eat well. Food is a vital source of warmth, so you should eat regular hot meals, which are low in saturated fat and salt and drink hot drinks throughout the day

keep moving if possible - it can lower your blood pressure and improves circulation, and wear appropriate clothing. If you go outside put on a hat, scarf, gloves and warm footwear.

The Stroke Association run a number of Know Your Blood Pressure events across the UK throughout the year to encourage people to take control of their blood pressure and reduce their risk of stroke.

To find an event near you, or to set up your own event, please visit; www.stroke/kybp

Kate Allan, Know Your Blood Pressure Co-ordinator at The Stroke Association says, "It is well known that colds and flu are more widespread in the winter, but there is a dangerous lack of awareness of the link between cold temperatures and stroke.

"Blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke and it's essential you know what yours is, especially at this time of year when many people experience an increase in blood pressure.

"It is vital that people keep warm as the temperatures drop and follow advice about how to stay healthy and safe throughout the cold weather."

Notes:

Study into relationship between blood pressure and outdoor temperature - a large sample of elderly individuals:

A large study from France showed that blood pressure in elderly people varies significantly with the seasons, with rates of high blood pressure readings rising from 23.8% in summer to 33.4% in winter.

Blood pressure increases were seen in both the systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom) numbers.

In the study, researchers analysed seasonal variation in blood pressure among 8,801 adults over the age of 65 in France over two years.

The results showed both systolic and diastolic blood pressures varied with the weather.

Overall, the average systolic blood pressure was 5 points higher in winter than in summer. But researchers say the temperature-related effects on high blood pressure were greatest among those 80 and older.

For more information visit this link.

A stroke is a brain attack which causes brain damage. A stroke can be diagnosed by using FAST - Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Time to call 999. If any of these symptoms is present call an ambulance straight away.

A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted. Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Some strokes are caused by bleeding in or around the brain from a burst blood vessel. When the blood supply is disrupted, parts of the brain become damaged or destroyed.

Some strokes are fatal whist others can cause permanent or temporary disabilities such as paralysis to one side of the body and loss of the ability to speak, read or write. Recovery may be slow and can vary from person to person.

Strokes can be prevented through lifestyle factors such as a healthy diet - particularly reducing salt intake, drinking alcohol in moderation, not smoking and taking regular exercise.

Stroke statistics:

Each year an estimated 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke.

Stroke is the third biggest killer and the leading cause of severe disability.

Of all people who suffer from a stroke, about a third are likely to die within the first 10 days, about a third are likely to make a recovery within one month and about a third are likely to be left disabled and needing rehabilitation.

At least 300,000 people in England are living with moderate to severe disabilities as a result of a stroke.

A stroke can happen to anyone at any time. Around a quarter of strokes happen to those aged under 65, with around 1000 happening to those under 30.

Source:
Stroke Association