Indoor Temperature Affects Blood Pressure
In the coming days and months, Most of us will be turning up our thermostats. But according to British researchers, a warmer house does more than protect us from cold weather: It also protects us from hypertension (high blood pressure).
A study published in the Journal of Hypertension, shows a strong link between a cooler home and the incidence of hypertension. The study followed more than 4500 people ages sixteen or over. Researchers found that every degree Celsius decrease in the temperature of a home was associated with a 0.48 mmHg increase in systolic pressure, and a 0.45 mmHg increase in diastolic pressure.
Normal blood pressure ranges from 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg, with the top number representing the systolic blood pressure and the bottom number representing the diastolic blood pressure. The coolest homes in the study had residents with an average blood pressure of 127/75. In the warmest homes, the average blood pressure was 121/71.
The researchers controlled variables such as demographics, including socioeconomic level, in order to make sure that they were not simply noting that those who could not afford to heat their homes properly could also not afford adequate medical treatment for blood pressure.
Study author Dr. Stephen Jivraj commented that the research, “has helped to explain the higher rates of hypertension, as well as potential increases in-depth from stroke and heart disease, in the winter months, suggesting indoor temperatures should be taken more seriously in diagnosis and treatment decisions, and in public health messages.”
The best temperature to set your thermostat to in order to optimize blood pressure? The authors recommend a minimum temperature of 21°C, or 70°F.
At Laurel Bay Health and Rehabilitation Center, in Keansburg, NJ, we know that our residents’ comfort translates into better health. Our residents receive the highest quality rehabilitative and skilled nursing care in a homelike and compassionate environment conducive to healing.
Our family-owned and -operated 123-bed facility, is tucked away in the quiet beach town of Keansburg, NJ at the Jersey Shore, within sight of Sandy Hook and the New York City skyline.
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