As the winter months set in, many people experience changes in their health due to the colder temperatures and shorter days. For patients with hypertension, or high blood pressure, a new study reveals that winter-induced blood pressure spikes pose significant challenges even for those under intensive treatment.
The study, a secondary analysis of the ACCOMPLISH trial, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, sheds light on the persistence of winter-induced elevations in blood pressure among patients with hypertension, despite being treated with up to three classes of antihypertensive medications.
Hypertension is a common condition affecting millions worldwide, and it is well-established that blood pressure levels tend to increase during the winter season. However, this latest research sought to understand if aspects of treatment or patient characteristics could modify these seasonal BP elevations.
Led by Dr. Robert D. Brook, director of cardiovascular disease prevention at Wayne State University, the study utilized data from the ACCOMPLISH trial, a randomized, double-blind clinical trial comparing two drug combinations for hypertension treatment. The researchers examined the effect of winter-induced BP elevations on blood pressure levels and control rates, with control defined as BP below 140/90 mm Hg.
The trial included 8,150 participants from various locations in the United States, each taking an average of 3.3 antihypertensive medications. Despite the rigorously treated patients, winter-induced blood pressure elevations remained persistent.
The results indicated that during the winter months, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were significantly higher compared to July, with an average increase of 2.6 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and a 7.2% drop in control rates. Even participants who achieved tight systolic BP control below 130 mm Hg still experienced winter-related spikes in blood pressure.
Surprisingly, the study found no significant effect of age, sex, race, body mass index, treatment intensity, drug regimen, or achieved systolic BP on the winter-induced BP elevations. This suggests that most patients may be at risk of winter-associated blood pressure fluctuations.
The research team concluded that proactive monitoring and adjusting drug therapy during the winter months may be a rational management strategy to combat the seasonal challenges posed by hypertension. Such an approach can help mitigate the risk of complications associated with elevated blood pressure during the colder months.
Dr. Brook and his colleagues emphasized that their findings provide valuable insights into the impact of seasonal changes on blood pressure control, and it may be prudent for healthcare providers to be vigilant during the winter period.
The study’s implications could influence clinical practice and patient care, leading to better management of hypertension during the winter months. As winter-induced blood pressure spikes continue to affect patients, physicians may consider individualized strategies to optimize treatment regimens, aiming for continuous BP control and improved outcomes, regardless of the season.
