Cold-Induced Hypertension as Life-Environment Disease in Winter: Focus on Data From Japan

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Environmental Health
• Chronobiology

Background:

• Cardiovascular events increase globally in winter.
• Winter hypertension is linked to environmental factors and physiological responses.
• Morning blood pressure (BP) surge and BP variability are heightened in winter.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate mechanisms of increased cardiovascular risk in winter.
• To discuss strategies for managing winter hypertension, focusing on Japan.
• To emphasize a comprehensive approach to BP management.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on winter cardiovascular events and hypertension.
• Analysis of physiological responses to cold exposure and morning arousal.
• Discussion of environmental and lifestyle optimization strategies.

Main Results:

• Cold exposure and morning arousal synergistically increase BP, BP variability, and the morning BP surge.
• Thermosensitive hypertension individuals show marked BP changes in cold.
• Cardiovascular event risk peaks in early winter mornings.

Conclusions:

• Winter BP management must integrate BP variability, chronobiology, and environmental factors.
• Optimizing living conditions, lifestyle, and BP monitoring is crucial.
• The period after awakening is a high-risk window requiring comprehensive management.