high blood pressure

Four guidelines for blood pressure management in patients with hypertension
In the winter when the diurnal difference is more than 10 degrees, the number of patients with heart and cerebrovascular disease increases. This is because the sympathetic nerves are affected as the body is exposed to cold air and the vessels contract


Especially, high blood pressure patients with high blood pressure should be careful of winter. Blood pressure is sensitive to temperature, and it is reported that the systolic blood pressure, which increases blood pressure by 1 degree, increases by 1.3 mmHg.

If hypertension patients have higher blood pressure, the risk of complications such as cerebral hemorrhage, myocardial infarction, and stroke increases. Here are 4 tips for managing blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

If a patient taking a blood pressure medicine suddenly stops taking the medicine, a recoil occurs. Because of this, the pressure can be higher than the original blood pressure. If you suddenly come into contact with cold air here, the possibility of myocardial infarction or stroke is increased.

② Check blood pressure frequently.
One common opinion among world hypertension experts is to measure blood pressure at home. The measurement method is to use the home electronic blood pressure monitor twice in the morning and evening.

※ Morning blood pressure measurement method

- Within 1 hour after weather
- After urinating.
- Before breakfast
- Before taking high blood pressure medicine
- After sitting for at least 1 ~ 2 minutes in a sitting position

※ Evening blood pressure measurement method

- Before going to bed.
- Frequency of measurement is 1-3 times

<Blood pressure measurement checkpoint>
You should not be too hasty or worried that your blood pressure is getting a little high. Then the sympathetic nerves are stimulated and the blood pressure is higher. It's a good idea to measure your blood pressure over and over again and look for medical staff if you keep doing it.
③ Maintain proper weight.
According to the US High Blood Pressure Guidelines in 2018, a 1 kg weight reduction can lower systolic blood pressure by more than 1 mmHg. It is said that blood pressure can drop by up to 5mmHg especially with weight loss.
Conversely, overeating can increase blood pressure. Especially in the winter, a warm and tasty soup dish may increase the intake of sodium. Excessive sodium intake can cause blood pressure to rise above 5 mmHg.

④ Avoid dawn movements.
Blood pressure is usually highest at dawn when waking. When exposed to cold air in the morning, blood pressure may instantaneously rise and cause a fatal emergency such as myocardial infarction. It is better to exercise while keeping the following few cautions rather than reducing the amount of exercise by cold.

- Overworking ‧ The next morning, avoid exercise.
- Wear comfortable clothes with enough warmth.
- Prepare enough exercise such as stretching for 10 minutes.
- Avoid excessive exercise beyond normal exercise capacity.
- Work in the morning or afternoon when the sun rises from dawn.

Help: Professor Kim Won, Cardiovascular Center, Kyung Hee Medical Center