Indoor Temperature Linked to Blood Pressure Levels, Study Finds

Scientific research continues to identify new factors affecting cardiovascular health beyond traditional elements like diet, physical activity, and smoking. A recent study has highlighted indoor temperature as a daily factor that might significantly impact blood pressure levels.

Researchers from University College London conducted the study, discovering that a small increase in home temperature could lower the risk of developing hypertension. They found a direct correlation between colder indoor environments and elevated blood pressure readings.

The study demonstrated that a one-degree Celsius drop in indoor temperature is associated with an increase of 0.48 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and 0.45 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure.

Understanding Hidden Causes of Hypertension

Dr. Stephen Jefraj, the lead author of the study, explained that these findings may clarify why hypertension rates rise and why deaths from strokes and heart diseases increase during winter months. He emphasized that indoor temperature should be considered when diagnosing hypertension and planning treatment strategies.

Dr. Jefraj suggested that modestly heating homes could serve as an additional method to reduce blood pressure alongside maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle modifications.

Impact of Indoor Temperature on Treatment

Co-researcher Hongdi Chao from the Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care at University College London noted that indoor temperature might influence the diagnosis of individuals with mildly elevated blood pressure. He pointed out that residents of colder homes might require higher doses of antihypertensive medications.

The researchers concluded that keeping homes warm during winter months could help lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular disease risks. Although the study did not specify an exact ideal temperature, it recommends maintaining living spaces at a minimum of 21 degrees Celsius.

The study was published in the journal "Hypertension."