Stroke Due to High Blood Pressure in Cold Weather

When temperatures drop significantly, the cardiovascular system has to work harder, especially in older adults and those with pre-existing heart conditions. During this time, blood pressure is more likely to spike, increasing the risk of stroke and serious complications. So how can you protect your heart and prevent strokes during the cold season?

1. Causes of Stroke in Cold Weather

When the temperature falls, the body must adjust to adapt to the change. However, these very adjustments may increase the risk of stroke. Below are the main causes and risk factors to watch out for:

Direct Causes

• Cerebral hemorrhage: Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict, increasing pressure and potentially leading to high blood pressure. If a blood vessel ruptures, the risk of brain hemorrhage rises and becomes one of the leading causes of stroke.
• Blood vessel blockage: Low temperatures stimulate the body to produce more red blood cells and platelets, making the blood thicker and more prone to clotting. This may result in blocked brain vessels, leading to an ischemic stroke.

Additional Risk Factors

• Obesity and lack of exercise: People tend to move less in winter, leading to weight gain and fat buildup, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
• Unhealthy diet: The body tends to crave high-energy foods during cold weather, such as fatty, greasy, and calorie-rich meals, raising cholesterol levels and impacting heart health.
• Infections and inflammation: Colds, flu, and pneumonia are more common in winter and can trigger inflammatory responses in the body, which can promote clot formation and increase stroke risk.
• Seasonal depression: Less sunlight, limited outdoor activity, and sluggishness during winter can lead to depression, a condition closely linked to increased stroke risk and worse outcomes when a stroke occurs.

2. Recognizing Stroke Symptoms in Cold Weather

The symptoms of stroke in cold weather are similar to those in other conditions. To identify a stroke quickly, use the F.A.S.T. principle:

• F (Face): One side of the face may droop, the eyelid may sag, or the smile may become uneven or twisted to one side.
• A (Arms): Weakness or numbness in the arm or one side of the body. If you ask the person to raise both arms, one may fall immediately.
• S (Speech): Slurred speech, difficulty speaking clearly, or inability to form complete sentences.
• T (Time): If any of these signs are present, act immediately. Stroke is a medical emergency, and the person must be taken to a healthcare facility as soon as possible to minimize complications.

Other possible symptoms include severe headache, dizziness, loss of balance, blurred vision, or difficulty swallowing.

3. Proper Response to Stroke During Cold Weather

Stroke is a critical emergency. Getting the patient to the hospital in time can significantly reduce the risk of death or permanent disability. If someone shows symptoms like limb numbness, slurred speech, facial drooping, sudden vision loss, or a severe headache, call emergency services or take them to the nearest hospital with a stroke unit immediately.

What NOT to do

• Do not give medication without medical advice, as it may worsen a brain hemorrhage.
• Do not prick the fingers for blood or shake the patient, as this could cause further injury.
• Do not give food or drink to avoid the risk of choking.
• Do not apply folk remedies like scraping or squeezing lemon into the mouth, as these are ineffective and may be harmful.

Proper First Aid

• Lay the patient on their side in a stable position.
• Loosen clothing, keep them warm but not overheated.
• Record the time when symptoms first appeared and inform medical personnel.
• Always equip yourself with essential knowledge to respond effectively in emergencies.

4. How to Proactively Prevent Stroke in Winter

Stroke is a sudden, life-threatening condition that may lead to death or permanent disability if not managed promptly. However, it can be effectively prevented with a healthy lifestyle and appropriate medical care.

Key tips to prevent stroke during cold weather

• Control blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart disease; use blood thinners as prescribed by your doctor.
• Maintain a healthy diet: avoid greasy, high-fat foods and increase your intake of vegetables, fish, and heart-friendly nuts.
• Keep warm properly: do light exercise for 3 to 5 minutes before getting out of bed in the morning, maintain room temperature above 25°C, drink warm water, and avoid cold food.
• Avoid cold showers or bathing late at night. The ideal water temperature is around 37°C.
• Stay physically active: brisk walking for 30 to 60 minutes per day, at least 5 days per week, or try tai chi, cycling, or badminton to improve blood circulation.

Comprehensive and Accurate Stroke Screening at H PLUS International General Clinic

Early Detection – Prevention of Dangerous Complications

Regardless of the weather, stroke screening plays a vital role in detecting risks early and enabling timely treatment. H PLUS International General Clinic is proud to offer MRI/MRA scanning services, the “gold standard” in stroke screening, to accurately assess the brain, blood vessels, and nervous system.

Outstanding Advantages of Stroke Screening at H PLUS

• State-of-the-art 3.0 Tesla MRI imaging technology with high-resolution images that detect even the smallest lesions.
• Silent MRI technology reduces noise, making the procedure more comfortable and less stressful for patients.
• Non-invasive, free from side effects, and safer than X-rays or CT scans.
• Experienced neurologists and medical professionals provide dedicated consultation and comprehensive health monitoring.
• Fast results support prompt diagnosis and treatment, reducing the risk of stroke-related complications.

For consultation and appointments, please contact H PLUS International General Clinic at +84 24-7306-9889.

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