Cold home this winter could make blood pressure ‘much higher’

Winter or ‘flu season’ brings with it several health threats. Among these is the threat of your blood pressure levels heightening. Higher blood pressure, also known as hypertension, levels bump up your risk of a cocktail of devastating conditions like stroke and heart disease.Past studies have shown that more people die of heart problems in winter.The British Heart Foundation reports that in the UK, there were an additional 11,500 heart attack deaths during winter.A new experiment, published in the journal Hypertension Research, has suggested that higher blood pressure levels may play a major role in causing this.It follows previous experiments that have found similar results.READ MORE: Acholic stools are ‘the most common’ sign of pancreatic cancer in ‘initial’ stages [SYMPTOMS] The number of heart attacks increases in winter (Image: GETTY)In the study, a group of Japanese academics compared the blood pressure levels of people living at home versus those in a highly insulated ‘model house’.Four people, aged 59 and over, were enrolled in the study. Each of their blood pressures was observed over a 24-hour period.Two of the participants experienced higher average blood pressure levels over 24 hours.The person with the biggest increase saw their systolic blood pressure (the upper number on a test) increase from 148 mmHg in the model home to 171 mmHg in their normal home.DON’T MISS:95% of heart attack survivors report experiencing two symptoms 1 month prior to the event [SURVEY]Steatorrhoea is ‘key’ symptom of pancreatic cancer that strikes on the toilet – expert [INSIGHT]Woman, 49, among reported cases of turmeric supplements linked to liver damage [CASE REPORT] Researchers recommending keeping your house at 21 degrees (Image: GETTY) The British Heart Foundation recommends wrapping a scarf loosely around mouth to breathe warm air (Image: GETTY)The researchers suggested keeping your living room at least 21 degrees Celsius.The British Heart Foundation offers a few tips on how to protect your heart in winter.They recommend the following:Keep your home warm and stay indoors as much as possible.Layer up with socks, jumpers and blanketsEat regular hot meals and drinks to keep your energy up to keep you warmWearing a few thin layers keeps you warmer than one thick layerIf you get chest pain, wear a scarf wrapped loosely around your mouth and nose to breathe in warm air.