Seasonal Variation in Arterial Blood Pressure.

ABSTRACT

Background: There is need to evaluate influence of weather changes on blood pressure in human population that has often been ignored in clinical practice guidelines. Objectives: Present study was planned to find the seasonal variation of blood pressure. Methods: Seasonal variation in blood pressure was examined in 1081 participants of age 18 years and over from both genders, 540 from rural and 541 from urban practice area of Department of Community Medicine of tertiary care teaching hospital of Ludhiana. Information was obtained on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and socio-economic status followed by clinical examination. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist and hip ratio, Body Mass Index. Blood pressure was recorded and classified based on JNC VII criteria. Data was obtained on four different seasons (winter, summer, monsoon and post-monsoon) as defined by Indian meteorological department. Results: Present study showed that there is significant increase in the blood pressure in study population during winter and significant fall in summer in both systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressures (DBP) irrespective of age, sex, socioeconomic status, occupation. The variation in SBP between summer and winter season was maintained across all the age groups except in elderly where maximal difference was observed in monsoon - summer seasons. Mean SBP and DBP were higher in 41 to 50 years and more than 60 year age group; females have a higher increase in both mean SBP and DBP. Advancement in age and females gender confirmed more significant changes in blood pressure across ambient temperatures. Conclusion: Our study showed that climatic changes influence the blood pressure recordings and should also be considered for management of hypertension.