[Effect of seasons on blood pressure]

Blood pressure (BP) variability appears to be a cardiovascular risk factor in its own right. Seasonal and temperature changes contribute to BP variations in the medium term with increased BP values in winter and lowered values in summer, and in the short term by influencing the circadian rhythm of BP. International societies have not issued specific recommendations on the detection of patients at risk of significant seasonal variations in BP, nor on the possible adaptation of antihypertensive treatments. This is a topical issue in the context of global warming, which will make these seasonal differences more significant in the future. Measuring BP outside the medical setting can be of great help in screening and monitoring these patients.