Silent Hypertension: Cold Weather and Lifestyle Risks Increase Stroke and Heart Attack Dangers

Hypertension, often called a silent disease, frequently goes unnoticed as it typically lacks symptoms and is only discovered through routine check-ups or after complications arise. Dr. Anderson Cunha, a Family and Community Physician at Unimed Cuiabá, warns that colder temperatures, common in Cuiabá during winter, can elevate blood pressure. This occurs due to blood vessel constriction, reduced water intake, increased heart rate, and the release of cold-related hormones. Dehydration, exacerbated by less water consumption in cooler weather, can directly impact blood pressure levels. Unimed Cuiabá's 'Sob Controle' program, managed by its Preventive Medicine Center 'Viver Bem,' aims to assist beneficiaries in managing hypertension and preventing its associated complications. Beyond climate, hypertension is linked to modifiable risk factors like sedentary lifestyles, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and diets high in sodium, as well as non-modifiable factors such as heredity and age. Despite its silent nature, hypertension can progressively damage blood vessels and vital organs, leading to kidney failure, stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and vision problems. Dr. Cunha stresses that waiting for complications to appear before initiating treatment is the worst possible scenario, emphasizing the critical importance of early diagnosis and continuous medical monitoring. Individuals without a hypertension diagnosis should check their blood pressure annually, while those diagnosed need regular monitoring and consistent medical follow-up. Lifestyle changes, including regular physical activity and a balanced diet low in salt, processed foods, and unhealthy fats, are crucial. Dr. Cunha advises prioritizing fruits, vegetables, and natural foods, suggesting a simple rule: consume more foods that need peeling and fewer that need unpacking. He also cautions against self-medication and abruptly stopping prescribed treatments, as this can lead to dangerous cardiovascular fluctuations. The 'Sob Controle' program offers comprehensive guidance on healthy eating, exercise, medication adherence, blood pressure monitoring, and preventive care, aiming to enhance patient understanding and treatment compliance.