Winter Swimming Guide for Hypertensive Patients: Analysis of Scientific Exercise and Long-Term Blood Pressure Management

Hypertension has many contributing factors, such as high-sodium, high-fat diets, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and a family history of hypertension. Current treatments for hypertension, including drug and non-drug therapies, primarily target certain pathological and physiological characteristics of hypertension and address the underlying causes, aiming to eliminate or reduce hypertension to a minimum. However, they do not treat the root cause; therefore, they can only control hypertension, not cure it, requiring long-term treatment.

In the early and middle stages of hypertension, symptoms are often subtle and easily overlooked by both patients and doctors. By the time it is discovered, blood vessels have already hardened, and other complications have developed. Treatment at this point can only lower blood pressure; however, even with controlled blood pressure, it does not equate to a complete cure.

Hypertension is a chronic disease with slow progression, a long duration, and a high recurrence rate. Only long-term, regular treatment can prevent the progression of hypertension and reduce or delay the onset of complications. Therefore, patients with hypertension should adhere to long-term, persistent treatment.

Hypertensive patients can participate in winter swimming. Generally, hypertensive patients can still participate in physical activities under the supervision of a doctor. However, winter swimming is a sport activity conducted in a highly cold environment. Under the intense stimulation of cold water, the blood vessels in the skin constrict rapidly, forcing blood from the epidermal vessels back to the internal organs and deep tissues, thus causing a temporary increase in blood pressure. Hypertensive patients already have high blood pressure and often have varying degrees of arteriosclerosis, especially those with diastolic blood pressure consistently above 100 mmHg, indicating reduced vascular elasticity. If they participate in winter swimming, their blood pressure will temporarily rise further, potentially leading to cerebral hemorrhage, stroke, coma, or even death. Therefore, hypertensive patients should not engage in the intense cold stimulation of winter swimming.

While hypertensive patients are not suitable for winter swimming, they can engage in general cold water training. This is because when the body comes into contact with cold water, the blood vessels in the skin constrict, causing a slight increase in blood pressure, but this is only temporary. The blood vessels quickly dilate again, allowing a large amount of blood to flow to the skin's vessels, resulting in a slightly lower blood pressure than before contact with cold water. Long-term adherence to cold water training, through repeated dilation and contraction of blood vessels throughout the body, actually enhances their elasticity, helping to regulate blood pressure. The best form of cold water exercise for hypertensive patients is cold water wiping. This is a method of exercise that involves repeatedly exposing the skin to small amounts of cold water, with a low intensity of stimulation. Initially, the water temperature should not be too low, and it can be gradually reduced according to the body's tolerance. The technique should be gentle and the force even. Wipe the upper body first, then put on clothes and sit down to wipe the lower body. Avoid bending over, strenuous movements, and sudden standing up. For those with hypertension accompanied by dizziness, start by washing the face with cold water, then the feet. Continue this for a period of time, and once symptoms improve, then proceed with cold water wiping.

For those with mild hypertension experiencing the following conditions, moderate winter swimming may be considered, depending on individual circumstances:

**Hypertension during puberty is related to certain endocrine changes and the accelerated heart development during this period.** This type of hypertension is mainly characterized by elevated systolic blood pressure, reaching 140-150 mmHg, while diastolic blood pressure is not high. Generally, there are no adverse sensations such as dizziness or headaches. These adolescents do not need to be prohibited from winter swimming, but the intensity of the exercise should be appropriately reduced. Through scientific and moderate winter swimming, blood pressure will not only not rise, but can also be helped to return to normal.

Stress-Induced Hypertension: This type of hypertension is generally caused by work fatigue, mental stress, and excessive fatigue. This type of hypertension not only has elevated systolic blood pressure, exceeding 140 mmHg or even 150 mmHg, but also elevated diastolic blood pressure, reaching 90-100 mmHg. This condition can be addressed by reducing work pressure, arranging a reasonable lifestyle, and ensuring sufficient sleep and rest. As the state of excessive stress disappears, blood pressure will return to normal. Patients with this type of hypertension can continue to participate in winter swimming, but they should have a clear diagnosis, consult a doctor, strictly control the intensity of stimulation during winter swimming, strictly follow the scientific methods and health requirements of winter swimming, and only swim to a level that feels comfortable. If any discomfort is felt, stop immediately.