A "life-saving guide" for elderly patients with hypertension in autumn and winter

1. Why does blood pressure soar in autumn and winter?

Autumn and winter are the peak seasons for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Every autumn and winter season is a major test for elderly patients with hypertension. Why do you say that? Because blood pressure can soar if you are not careful. The number of patients seeking medical treatment due to poor blood pressure control or complications of hypertension has increased significantly. We all know that blood pressure fluctuates with the seasons. In autumn and winter, the temperature turns cooler, the temperature difference between day and night is large, the sympathetic nerves are excited, and the capillaries throughout the body contract, leading to increased blood pressure, increased pulse pressure difference, and increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Affected by the cold weather, the elderly have reduced outdoor activities and meetings with friends, which in turn affects their mood. Low mood also has a certain impact on blood pressure. Autumn and winter are dry, and the loss of water in the body leads to high blood viscosity and slow blood flow, which can easily induce acute complications of hypertension.

Second, elderly patients with hypertension are a bit special

Hypertension in the elderly is mainly characterized by increased systolic blood pressure, with a relatively large pressure difference. As people age, their blood vessels become hardened, their vascular elasticity decreases, and lipid deposition in the inner membrane leads to stenosis of the lumen, which increases systolic blood pressure. In addition, the sensitivity of the elderly's vascular pressure receptors decreases, and their ability to regulate blood pressure decreases, which may cause sudden rises and falls in blood pressure and an increase in pulse pressure difference. Some elderly people may also experience orthostatic hypotension, which manifests as a sudden feeling of dizziness when getting up. This group of people should monitor their blood pressure in both supine and upright positions.

3. Should I seek treatment if I have high blood pressure but no symptoms?

Aunt Liu was found to have high blood pressure during a physical examination. After a series of specialist examinations, she was diagnosed with hypertension, but she did not feel any discomfort. Should she receive treatment? The answer is yes. In the early stage of the disease, spasm of small arteries will not cause obvious symptoms, but if there is no intervention, as the disease progresses, small arteries will gradually harden, and medium and large arteries will have lipid deposition in the inner membrane, which will damage important target organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys, and may cause a series of problems such as coronary heart disease, cerebral infarction, and renal failure.

4. The Four-in-One Assistance to Smoothly “Cross the Tribulation”

1. Eat a balanced diet

Autumn and winter are good seasons for tonic. Elderly patients with hypertension should "clear and nourish", eat small meals frequently, and avoid overeating. Control the intake of fat, salt and sugar during meals, limit 3 to 6 grams of salt per day, and eat less pickled food. Eat more foods that have blood pressure and lipid-lowering effects, such as celery, white radish, winter melon, coix seed, lotus root, hawthorn, yam, lotus seeds and other foods. When eating meat, appropriately increase the proportion of white meat, such as fish, shrimp, chicken and duck, and eat less red meat such as pork, beef and mutton. Eat vegetables, fruits, coarse grains and other foods rich in dietary fiber to supplement vitamins, maintain water and electrolyte balance, and keep bowel movements smooth.

2. Exercise regularly

It is recommended to choose moderate to low intensity exercise that you can tolerate, such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, etc. Patients with limited mobility due to bone and joint diseases can choose to use Ba Duan Jin, Tai Chi, Wu Qin Xi, yoga, etc. to harmonize the body and mind to help stabilize blood pressure. The weather is cold in autumn and winter, so you should pay attention to keeping your head and neck warm when exercising. Blood pressure has a peak around 6-10 o'clock. It is recommended to exercise at off-peak times and postpone the morning exercise time appropriately.

3. Healthy living

Many hypertensive patients are old smokers and long-term drinkers. The hypertension guidelines clearly state that quitting smoking and drinking can directly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, so it is strongly recommended to quit smoking and drinking. Elderly hypertensive patients should choose soft and loose clothes and pants, and the belt and tie should not be tied too tightly to avoid blood pressure fluctuations. In addition, they should also combine work and rest and get enough sleep.

4. Monitor blood pressure and adjust medication

Monitor your blood pressure regularly and be aware of changes in your blood pressure. Blood pressure in autumn is higher than in spring and autumn. If you take medication according to the previous antihypertensive plan, blood pressure is often difficult to be effectively controlled. Therefore, you must adjust the dosage and medication time in a timely manner under the guidance of a doctor. Remember not to add or subtract medications on your own.

References:

[1]. National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases. National Primary Hypertension Prevention and Management Guidelines 2020 Edition. [J]. Chinese Journal of Circulation. 2021, 36(3): 209-220.

[2]. Chinese Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in traditional Chinese medicine. [J]. Modern Distance Education of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2011, 9 (23): 108-109.

[3]. Lu Ya'e. High season for geriatric diseases: precautions for patients with hypertension in autumn and winter. [EB/OL].
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