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Does winter really raise blood pressure and make early mornings dangerous for the elderly? Here’s what experts say
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that waking up before 8am specifically leads to heart attacks or paralysis. (First Check)
First Check received a WhatsApp tipline request from a reader regarding a video circulating on WhatsApp. In the video, a person claims that winter causes a rise in blood pressure and urges elderly not to get out of the bed before 8 AM lest it lead to paralysis or heart attack.
“We see more cases of cardiac issues and arthritis during winter. Let me explain the science behind this. In summer, blood vessels expand, reducing pressure on blood flow. However, in winter, the cold causes blood vessels to constrict, increasing pressure on the veins and raising blood pressure. As a result, the risk of brain hemorrhage and heart attack is higher during the colder months,” the video, which is in Hindi, contends.
The video urges elderly people, particularly those above 50-55, to not get out of the bed before 8 AM, warning this could lead to heart attack or paralysis.
“If they have a habit of going for a morning walk, they should move it to an evening walk between 4:30 to 5:30 PM,” the video suggests. “”Elderly people should make it a point to use the washroom before they go to bed, so that they won’t feel like using the washroom between 3 to 5 AM in the early morning.”
CLAIM #1: Winter causes a rise in blood pressure
FACT: True. Cold weather can lead to higher blood pressure due to vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), reduced sun exposure, and lower physical activity levels. However, maintaining a balanced diet and regular movement can help manage this risk
Medical experts back the claim that winter leads to an increase in blood pressure. Dr Suneela Garg, Professor of Community Medicine, attributes this to “the contraction of veins.”
“There are also other factors which affect blood pressure, such as lack of Vitamin D and a more sedentary lifestyle that sets in during the winter months. We see people go out less, get less amount of sun exposure,” She told the First Check. “The pollution also goes up during these months leading to people not stepping outside. So, all these factors come together to bring about an increase in blood pressure.”
Dr Garg advised people to keep a check on what they’re eating, and not overeat especially when it comes to fatty and sugary foods.
“We tend to think that eating lots of fats is good but overconsumption is never healthy,” she said.
Dr Garg also advised evening walks for the elderly people instead of morning as this will also get them “a bit of sun.”
CLAIM #2: Elderly people should not get out of bed before 8 AM in winter, as it could trigger a heart attack or paralysis.
FACT: While cold weather can cause blood vessels to constrict, increasing blood pressure, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that waking up before 8 AM specifically leads to heart attacks or paralysis. Experts confirm that the risk is primarily for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, not healthy individuals.
To verify this claim, First Check spoke to Dr. Shiv Kumar Choudhary, a Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon at Fortis Hospital, New Delhi, to understand the scientific basis of these statements.
Dr. Choudhary explained that while extreme cold can cause blood vessels to constrict (a process called vasoconstriction), leading to increased blood pressure, the claim that blood “becomes thicker” to the extent of causing sudden cardiac arrest in healthy individuals is not accurate.
“Cold weather can increase the risk of heart attacks, particularly in people with pre-existing heart conditions, because of vessel constriction and changes in circulation. However, for healthy individuals, these risks are minimal,” he said.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology supports this, indicating that exposure to cold temperatures can elevate blood pressure and increase cardiovascular strain, but primarily in individuals with existing heart issues.
This story was originally published by First Check and republished by News18 as part of the Shakti Collective.
