A senior neurologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said high blood pressure is common during winters and can sometimes lead to a brain stroke, amid reports of rising cases of brain stroke and brain haemorrhage in the ongoing bitter cold in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur.
Dr CS Agarwal was quoted as saying, “The risk of brain stroke is higher in patients with high blood pressure and those travelling to the mountains at this time of the year are also at risk due to depleting oxygen levels in higher altitudes.”
“If we go to the mountains where the air is rarefied, there is a risk of a brain stroke. Caught up indoors when the sun doesn’t come up for days can also add to the stress and put us at risk of a brain stroke incident. Hence, there is a need to take additional cautionary steps in places where the temperatures are extremely low,” he said.
The senior Neurologist added that those with high blood pressure are at a higher risk of having a brain stroke or having a brain haemorrhage, and that it was critical to keep blood pressure under control in extreme cold weather and to consult with doctors on time.
“Blood pressure often increases in cold weather. Along with this, due to lack of sweating in winter, the amount of sodium in the body increases, raising blood pressure levels,” he stated.
Several brain stroke patients were recently admitted to hospitals in Kanpur, of which a 14-year-old child succumbed. According to doctors, the 14-year-old died as a result of exposure to extreme cold.
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Dr Agarwal said, “During winter, we do get complaints of increased blood pressure. Increase in blood pressure raises the risk of brain strokes.”
Diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, metabolic syndrome, sedentary lifestyle, lack of oxygen, and excessive smoking, according to the doctor, all increase the risk of a brain stroke.
He has said that many people are afraid of taking blood pressure medications and will discontinue them without consulting a doctor.
He said in winter, it is advisable to take Vitamin D tablets and not go on morning walks, adding that people dress warmly when going outside.
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