People living in colder homes are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, a study has found.
Researchers from University College London (UCL) discovered a significant statistical link between the temperature in a person’s living room and their blood pressure. With a decrease in room temperature, there was an increase in blood pressure.
The healthiest temperature
The study, published in the Journal of Hypertension, examined data from more than 4,600 adults who participated in the 2014 Health Survey for England.
Ideal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg, according to NHS Choices.
The research team suggested that turning up the thermostat may help manage hypertension. Official advice urges people to heat their homes to at least 18C (64.4F) to stay healthy.
Other ways to reduce your blood pressure
“Our research has helped to explain the higher rates of hypertension, as well as potential increases in deaths 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,” said senior author Dr Stephen Jivraj of UCL’s Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care.
“Among other diet and lifestyle changes people can make to reduce high blood pressure, our findings suggest that keeping homes a bit warmer could also be beneficial.”
