Stroke patients increase in cold weather

According to information from Bach Mai Hospital, a 2016 study published in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease examined nearly 172,000 hospitalizations for ischemic stroke in the United States and found that strokes increased significantly in colder weather and especially when there were large temperature fluctuations.

A German study in the European Journal of Epidemiology found that when the temperature drops by 2.9oC in 24 hours, stroke increases by 11% and in particular, this rate will be higher for people with existing risk of stroke such as: high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, ...

Stroke patients increase in cold weather picture 1 — Stroke increases in cold weather (photo source Bach Mai Hospital).

Additionally, a study of about 56,000 stroke deaths over 10 years in Sao Paolo, Brazil, found that lower temperatures increased stroke deaths, especially in people over 65.

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Mai Duy Ton - Director of the Stroke Center, Bach Mai Hospital, during the past winter months, the number of patients admitted to the Stroke Center increased significantly, and the number of severe cases also increased.

The risk of stroke increases by 80%, especially when the temperature drops below 15 degrees Celsius and the temperature drops suddenly. Experts say cold temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, causing high blood pressure.

And it can also thicken the blood, which can lead to blood clots. During the cold winter months, many people become less active , which can also be a contributing factor to the increased risk of stroke.

Another explanation is that cold weather puts a lot of stress on the body combined with unhealthy habits like overeating and drinking.

According to experts, to avoid stroke in cold weather, everyone should regularly monitor their blood pressure when the weather changes.

And as soon as your body has slight changes or your blood pressure increases abnormally, immediately contact your doctor so that he or she can prescribe and adjust your medication.

See your doctor regularly to control underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.

Avoid sudden exposure to cold weather, especially when it is below 15oC. Wear appropriate warm clothing when going out: wear a woolen hat, gloves, shoes, and warm clothes.

Maintain regular physical activity as advised by your doctor. Lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.

Follow a healthy diet: avoid salty foods and limit foods high in cholesterol. Do not drink alcohol or overeat. Avoid excessive stress.

No smoking, tobacco.

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