Effect of seasonal temperature change on blood pressure in a treated hypertensive population

To determine the effect of seasonal temperature variation on blood pressure and weight, we conducted a chart review of 39 male patients observed at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center Hypertension Clinic for a 6-year period between 1976 and 1983. Information on blood pressure and body weight was extracted from the charts for the four seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter. No significant differences were noted in the blood pressure or body weight of our patients during the four seasons using a paired t-test.