Cold showers in cold weather: risk of stroke

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Extract from the article: As the weather gets colder, a harmless habit can turn out to be dangerous: cold showers. Exposure to cold water, especially suddenly, can cause thermal shock. This phenomenon poses a risk, especially for people with blood pressure problems. A rapid..

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As the weather gets colder, a harmless habit can turn out to be dangerous: cold showers. Exposure to cold water, especially suddenly, can cause thermal shock. This phenomenon poses a risk, especially for people with blood pressure problems. A rapid increase in blood pressure can have fatal consequences, such as a stroke. It is essential not to take unnecessary risks, because life is precious.

The link between cold, blood pressure and stroke

Cold is a factor in increasing blood pressure. Exposure to low temperatures triggers a vasoconstriction reflex, a kind of protective mechanism in the body that constricts blood vessels in response to the cold in order to conserve heat and cause an increase in blood pressure. This natural process can become problematic for people with hypertension, who often experience an increase in blood pressure during cold spells.

A shower that is too cold therefore accentuates this thermal shock. It causes a hypertensive crisis, a sudden and dangerous rise in blood pressure. In the most serious cases, this crisis causes a cerebral artery to rupture. Bleeding occurs, compressing the brain. This phenomenon is known in medical jargon as a cerebrovascular accident, or stroke. Clinical observations report that stroke cases are more numerous in winter.

Understanding stroke and the importance of diagnosis

Sudden loss of consciousness should always be taken seriously. A person who has had a stroke may wake up, but that does not mean the danger has passed. It is impossible to determine the extent of the damage without a thorough medical examination. That is why it is vital to consult a doctor after any loss of consciousness.

A stroke is diagnosed using a brain scan. This examination allows the inside of the brain to be visualised and any bleeding to be detected. It is recommended that this examination be requested after any loss of consciousness. A recurrent stroke is often fatal, hence the importance of an accurate diagnosis for appropriate treatment and prevention of future accidents.

In cold weather, a simple precaution such as heating the shower water can make all the difference. Life is precious, and this simple gesture protects both ourselves and our loved ones. By raising awareness among those around us, we can help reduce the number of sudden deaths or paralysis incidents that occur in the shower.

Esther KOLANI

Source: ‘Pums Collèges’