Increased cerebrovascular disease in winter, 5 precautions
Feb 10, 2025
|
Lower winter temperatures cause blood vessels to contract, raising blood pressure, and making blood sticky, increasing the likelihood of blood clots. These changes increase the risk of damaging cerebrovascular vessels, especially those with chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, which require greater attention.
Blood pressure management is important first for the five health rules for preventing cerebrovascular disease. It should be managed through regular measurements and medication. One of the major causes of cerebrovascular disease is hypertension, which requires regular measurement of blood pressure and, if necessary, consistent medication according to the doctor's prescription. In winter, blood pressure can rise sharply, so special attention is needed.
Next is collagen and omega-3 intake and a balanced diet. Collagen helps maintain the elasticity of blood vessel walls, and omega-3 fatty acids are effective in improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation. It is recommended to eat blue-backed fish such as salmon and mackerel, nuts, and collagen-rich foods (e.g., pig's feet, chicken feet, seaweed). Along with this, regular aerobic exercise is also important, and exercise is effective in improving blood circulation and stabilizing blood pressure. In winter, it is recommended to do light aerobic exercise for about 30 minutes at least twice a week indoors, walking, indoor cycling, and stretching are suitable, and outdoor activities should be avoided on days when the temperature is low.
Attention should also be paid to maintaining body temperature due to sudden temperature changes. It is recommended to keep warm and wear warm clothes when going out. It is important to minimize temperature differences indoors and before and after going out, as sudden cold air exposure can cause vasoconstriction.
Finally, regular medical checkups including brain MRI are important. Since early detection of cerebrovascular disease is very important, brain MRI or MRA (cerebrovascular imaging) should be performed regularly to check blood vessel conditions in advance, especially in high-risk groups.
In addition, smoking cessation is essential for cerebrovascular health because cigarettes damage blood vessel walls and raise blood pressure, and excessive drinking can increase blood pressure and put a burden on the cardiovascular system, so you should maintain proper drinking. Above all, stress is a major factor in raising blood pressure and blood sugar, so it is important to find proper rest and peace of mind.
Choi Yoon-hyuk, director of Neurosurgery at Good Samseon Hospital, said, "Winter is a very important time for preventing cerebrovascular disease, and healthy lifestyle and proper management help reduce the risk of cerebrovascular disease and improve the quality of life. We hope that you watch your cerebrovascular system strong through blood pressure management, diet control, regular exercise, maintenance of body temperature, and regular medical check-ups this winter."
|
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
