Association between atmospheric air temperature and blood pressure among adult population in different seasons

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of hypertension in the Arkhangelsk region is steadily increasing. Despite the progress in the diagnostics and the availability of treatment, a half of the population are unaware of their hypertension and its potential consequences, and consequently, do not adhere to the prescribed medications. This lack of awareness, coupled with the challenging climatic conditions of the northern regions, can significantly increase the risk of acute myocardial infarctions and strokes among young adults.<p>

<p>AIM: To study the association between atmospheric air temperature and blood pressure among the adult population in Arkhangelsk.<p>

<p>MATERIAL AND METHODS: For the purpose of this study we used blood pressure data obtained from 2342 participants individuals aged 35–69 years who participated in the “Know your heart” study in Arkhangelsk from November 1, 2015 to October 31, 2017. Every blood pressure measurement was linked to the time-corresponding readings of atmospheric air temperature recorded by the city meteorological station. The effect of the temperature on blood pressure was assessed using linear regression analysis separately for the warm (April 16–October 15) and the cold (October 16–April 15) seasons.<p>

<p>RESULTS: In the warm season, in the group of participants without hypertension and in those with treated arterial hypertension, high values of atmospheric air temperature (17.5–26.5 °С) relative to the average level (8.8–12.2 °С) were associated with a decrease in systolic blood pressure at 7.9 mm Hg (p=0.004) and 8.5 mm Hg (p=0.012), respectively, and diastolic blood pressure by 5.1 mm Hg (p=0.002) and 4.5 mm Hg (p=0.021), respectively. In the group of participants with untreated arterial hypertension, changes in ambient air temperature above (12.3–17.2 °С) and below (6.0–8.7 °С) the average level for this period were associated with an increase in systolic blood pressure by 11.7 mm Hg (p=0.044) and 16.9 mm Hg (p=0.004), and diastolic blood pressure by 8.9 mm Hg (p=0.018) and 13.8 mm Hg (p <0.001), respectively. In the cold season, no effect of air temperature on blood pressure was found in persons without arterial hypertension. In persons with treated arterial hypertension, an increase in air temperature in the cold season to the levels of (–1.3…1.1 °С) relative to the average level (–3.9–1.4 °С) were associated with lower systolic blood pressure by 8.5 mm Hg (p=0.001).<p>

<p>CONCLUSION: The results of the study demonstrate the association between the atmospheric air temperature and blood pressure. Patients with untreated hypertension are more susceptible to fluctuations in blood pressure parallel to changes in ambient air temperature.