Extreme cold weather may raise risk of brain stroke in BP patients: Doctors

Even as the winter season has set in doctors on Friday warned that dipping temperatures can heighten the risk of brain stroke and haemorrhage among people with hypertensionAccording to the India Meteorological Department with light rainfall on Friday Delhi will see a further dip in the minimum temperature to 5 degrees CelsiusOn Thursday the city recorded a minimum temperature of 64 degrees Celsius two notches below the seasons averageAmong the various health impacts associated with colder temperatures studies have shed light on a concerning correlation between cold weather and an elevated risk of brain haemorrhage presenting a critical nexus between temperature and health outcomesA series of pivotal studies published in esteemed medical journals including ScienceDirect American Heart Association Journals and PubMed have unearthed an alarming connection cold weather significantly amplifies the vulnerability to brain haemorrhage impacting individuals with hypertension and normotensive normal BP individuals alike Dr Manish Vaish Senior Director Neurosurgery at Max Super Speciality Hospital Delhi told IANSIn a compelling casecrossover analysis featured in ScienceDirect researchers have revealed that cold temperatures pose a heightened risk for haemorrhagic stroke compared to snowfallThis study emphasises the potent role of cold weather as a risk factor for brain haemorrhage suggesting a potential trigger in the occurrence of this critical health eventCold weather appears to act as a catalyst particularly in individuals with hypertension elevating the risk of brain haemorrhage The correlation between cold weather and heightened risk demands proactive preventive measures especially for those with existing health conditionsrdquo Dr Vaish saidEven normotensive individuals face an increased risk of high blood pressure in colder temperatures significantly heightening the risk of cerebral haemorrhage This underscores the need for timely interventions to mitigate potential health hazards during cold weather Dr Yashpal Singh Bundela Senior Consultant Sushrut Brain and Spine New Delhi told IANSThe implications of these findings are clear and pressingTimely intervention including managing blood pressure levels and adopting protective measures against extreme cold is crucial to minimise the potential risks associated with brain haemorrhage during colder seasonsThe call for public awareness and proactive health measures is underscored by these groundbreaking studies As winter settles in individuals especially those with hypertension or cardiovascular risks are urged to take preventive steps including regular health checkups maintaining optimal blood pressure levels and staying warm in colder temperatures Dr Bundela saidIf someone suffers brain haemorrhage it is important to rush the patient to the nearest emergency department at the earliestCommon signs of brain haemorrhage can encompass a range of symptoms such as sudden severe headaches weakness or numbness on one side of the body difficulty speaking or understanding speech vision disturbances dizziness or loss of balance nausea or vomiting without an apparent cause and seizuresIn some cases there might be a loss of consciousness or altered mental stateTime is of utmost essence in managing brain haemorrhage Swift and coordinated medical intervention is crucial involving stabilising vital signs ensuring proper oxygenation and controlling blood pressure to prevent complications Dr Vaish saidThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever