Home Blood Pressure Monitors And The Winter Blues
As the cold winter months approach it is worth noting that blood pressure tends to rise during cold weather and becomes a little harder to control and that there are various reasons for this. For example, blood vessels tend to narrow in response to cold weather increasing your blood pressure and many of the common medications taken at this time of year for such things as colds have the same effect. Winter is also a time when we tend to get a little bit more depressed and drink a bit more alcohol and coffee, both of which again tend to push up your blood pressure. More than anything else though, we tend to take less exercise during the winter months and eat a little bit more, which leads to weight gain. However, as long as you are aware of the problem and keep an eye on your pressure with a home blood pressure monitor then you will easily spot your pressure creeping up and can take the necessary corrective action.