How to deal with low mood and pressure swings during the cold and rainy season

15.09.2023 | Natalia Kandybey

With the arrival of the cold and rainy season, many of us feel less alert and energetic. Such changes in weather patterns can take a toll on our mood and even our blood pressure. In this article, we’ll look at how seasonal changes affect our well-being and cardiovascular health, as well as how we can deal with low mood and blood pressure swings.

How does the cold and rainy season affect mood and blood pressure?

The change of season and the transition from warm weather to cool and rainy weather can have a negative impact on our physical and emotional well-being. Here are some things to consider:

  1. Influence of Mood:

The cold and rainy season can cause many people to experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or, in simple terms, autumn-winter depression. One of the reasons for this is a decrease in the number of hours of sunshine and a decrease in insolation. Light levels affect our circadian rhythm and the production of serotonin, the hormone responsible for our mood. Reduced sunlight can lead to lower serotonin levels, which in turn can cause depressive states.

  1. Effects on Blood Pressure:

Seasonal changes can also affect blood pressure. Sudden changes in temperature, cold, and humidity can contribute to vasoconstriction, which in turn can increase blood pressure. This is especially true for people suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure), as they are more sensitive to changes in the weather.

What are the dangers of sudden changes in pressure?

Young people, most often, pressure spikes are bypassed. They may feel refreshed and full of energy, but despite this, it is important to remember that sudden changes in blood pressure can have a negative impact on health at any age. These changes pose a serious danger to our body and can be felt at different levels.

The first thing to pay attention to is their effect on the cardiovascular system. High blood pressure increases the strain on the heart, leading to an increased risk of myocardial infarction. The walls of blood vessels are subjected to excessive pressure, which can lead to damage and deterioration of their elasticity. This, in turn, can cause atherosclerosis and increase the risk of blood clots.

On the other hand, low blood pressure can also cause serious complications. For example, low blood pressure can disrupt the normal blood supply to the brain, which can lead to dizziness, loss of consciousness, and even stroke. In addition, low blood pressure can provoke cardiac arrhythmias, which aggravates the condition of the cardiovascular system. To cope with low blood pressure, a drug such as Vioheals Mg + B6 will help, which has a beneficial effect on the state of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, with increased nervous excitement.

Constant sudden changes in blood pressure also have a negative effect on the condition of blood vessels, causing damage to them and reducing the lumen inside them. This can impair the blood supply to organs and tissues, leading to their degradation and performance may decrease.

Finally, we should not forget about the neurological consequences of blood pressure spikes. Symptoms of high blood pressure can include dizziness, severe headaches, and even loss of consciousness. These effects can have a serious impact on quality of life. Soreness and limitations in everyday life can be an additional source of stress and depression.

Causes of a sharp drop in blood pressure

Sudden changes in blood pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, both external and internal. They can occur for a variety of reasons and in different people. Constant changes in blood pressure can be caused by:

  1. Weather conditions: Extreme weather changes, such as a sudden drop in temperature, changes in atmospheric pressure, or humidity, can affect the cardiovascular system. The body can react to such factors in the form of an increase or decrease in blood pressure, especially when the temperature outside is too low or too high.
  2. Stress and emotional strain: Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, or excitement can lead to a sharp rise in blood pressure. In moments of stress, the body activates the “fight or flight” system, which can cause hypertension.
  3. Physical activity: Strenuous exercise can temporarily raise blood pressure. This is a normal reaction of the body to physical labor, but in some people it can lead to a sudden drop in pressure, especially if they are not used to physical exertion.
  4. Nutrition: Consuming large amounts of salt in food can cause fluid retention in the body and an increase in blood volume, which in turn can increase blood pressure. Also, overeating, especially when eating a lot of fatty and high-calorie foods, can contribute to a sharp increase in blood pressure.
  5. Medications and alcohol: Certain medications, including hypertension medications and alcoholic beverages, can affect blood pressure. Improper use of medications or drinking alcohol in large quantities can cause sudden fluctuations in blood pressure.
  6. Somatic diseases: Some diseases, such as kidney disease, endocrine disorders, or heart disease, can be associated with sudden changes in blood pressure.

Prevention of sudden changes in blood pressure

Preventing sudden changes in blood pressure plays an important role in maintaining cardiovascular health and overall well-being. Here are some key measures and recommendations to help reduce the risk of sudden pressure fluctuations:

  1. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Eating a healthy diet, moderate physical activity, and avoiding bad habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol contribute to maintaining stable blood pressure. It is recommended to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, limit salt and fats in food.
  2. Stress management: Relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help manage stress and prevent sudden pressure swings caused by psychological factors. Regularly engaging in your favorite hobbies and participating in relaxing activities can also be beneficial.
  3. Physical activity: Regular physical activity strengthens the cardiovascular system and helps maintain normal blood pressure. It is recommended to engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day for most of the week.
  4. Ongoing health monitoring: If you have a problem with your blood pressure, take it regularly and keep records. This will help you identify trends and respond to changes in time. If necessary, consult your doctor and follow his recommendations regarding treatment.
  5. Proper use of medications: If your doctor has prescribed medication to control your blood pressure, make sure you take them as recommended. Improper or missed medications can lead to pressure drops.

In conclusion, it’s worth emphasizing that taking care of our cardiovascular health and maintaining stable blood pressure is key to overall health and well-being. Seasonal changes in weather and factors that can cause sudden fluctuations in pressure can be caused by a variety of reasons, including weather conditions, stress, physical activity, and even our lifestyle.

However, by following healthy lifestyle guidelines, skillfully managing stress, engaging in regular physical activity, and following the rules of proper nutrition, we can reduce the risk of sudden changes in blood pressure and minimize their negative impact on our health and mood.

Literature:

  • “Winter Blues: Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder” by Norman Rosenthal.
  • “The Mindful Way Through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness” by Mark Williams, John Tisdel, Zindel Segal, and Jon Kabat-Zinn.
  • “The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time” by Alex Korban.
  • “Rainy Brain, Sunny Brain: How to Retrain Your Brain to Overcome Pessimism and Achieve a More Positive Outlook” by Eliana Lichterman.
  • “The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life” by Sean Akor.
  • “The Feeling Good Handbook” by David D. Burns.
  • “The Art of Happiness” by The Dalai Lama and Howard Katz.
  • “The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment” by Eckhart Tolle.

Author: Natalia Kandybey, Candidate of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Quality Director of PJSC Pharmaceutical Factory “VIOLA”

The information provided is not medical advice and does not replace professional health recommendations.

The information is based on scientific literature and is provided for informational purposes only.

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