Why chilly homes are bad for blood pressure

TURNING up the thermostat could control high blood pressure.

Researchers from University College London looked at the blood pressure readings of 4,600 people at home and also monitored their house temperature.

People with cooler houses had higher readings — and every 1c decrease in temperature was associated with a 0.48 mmHg rise in systolic blood pressure (the top reading) and a 0.45 mmHg increase in diastolic blood pressure (the lower reading). Low temperatures cause blood vessels to narrow, which increases blood pressure because it is needed to force blood through veins and arteries.

The researchers suggest keeping rooms at 21c.