New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

As North India reels under an intense winter spell, India’s premier medical institution AIIMS, New Delhi, has issued a crucial health alert with global relevance. Prof. Rajiv Narang, Head of the Cardiology Department at AIIMS, has warned that winter significantly increases the risk of high blood pressure, even among individuals whose BP otherwise remains well controlled.


According to Prof. Narang, cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict — a physiological response known as vasoconstriction — which restricts blood flow and places added pressure on the heart.


“This seasonal change often pushes blood pressure beyond safe limits. At AIIMS, we are seeing a sharp rise in patients whose BP was stable on medication but becomes uncontrolled with the onset of winter,” he said.


From High BP to Heart Attack
Prof. Narang cautioned that elevated blood pressure should not be dismissed as a routine fluctuation.
“In winter, uncontrolled BP can lead to breathlessness during routine activity, chest pain (angina), and in severe cases, even heart attacks,” he warned.


The risk is particularly high among senior citizens, patients with hypertension, and those with pre-existing heart disease, making vigilance critical during the colder months.


Regular Monitoring: The Strongest Shield
Emphasising prevention, the senior cardiologist urged people to make blood pressure monitoring a daily habit in winter.


“Every household should have a BP monitor. If readings cross 140/90 mmHg, medical advice must be sought immediately so that medication doses can be adjusted in time,” Prof. Narang advised.


Lifestyle Shifts Worsen the Risk
Prof. Narang also flagged subtle winter lifestyle changes that silently aggravate BP levels.
“People tend to consume more salty and processed foods during winter and drink less water because thirst is reduced. Both factors significantly contribute to rising blood pressure,” he explained.
He stressed that adequate hydration is as essential in winter as it is in summer, despite the lack of thirst.


AIIMS’ Winter Heart-Care Advisory
According to AIIMS experts, maintaining heart health in winter requires a disciplined approach:
Regular blood pressure checks
Low-salt, balanced diet
Adequate water intake
Timely medical consultation


Prof. Rajiv Narang’s warning is not merely a clinical advisory but a broader public health message — that winter-induced complacency can place the heart under serious threat.


As cold waves intensify across the region, the message from AIIMS is clear: stay alert, monitor blood pressure closely, and do not let winter turn hypertension into a silent killer.