Cold Temp Tolerance?

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epstns

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Here's a new, semi-related question I've got:

I've never been highly tolerant of cold weather (wife says it is because I have so little fat on me, I don't think that means much). Since last spring I have been taking Avalide to reduce blood pressure (was 14X/9X, now 11X/7X).

Is there any likelihood that having lower blood pressure would cause me to be less comfortable in cold weather, or what else could cause the discomfort. This winter I am having a terrible time getting used to the cold. The coats that were warm enough for all of last winter are just not warm enough any more -- and I'm not old enough to retire to a warm climate yet.

Any ideas?
 
That's a question as old as the ages themselves. I don't have an answer Steve. I'm going through the samething. My problem is I switch back and forth. Too cold one day, too warm the next.
 
Hi Steve,
That is a possiblity, I have always been on the thin side and my blood pressure has also been on the low side.
Normal for me is about 11x/6x.
My wife and I always fight over the thermostat, I'm freezing and she is sweating though she is not heavy.
The really dumb thing for me is I'm retired and still here freezing my butt off.
 
Steve,

Because of my aortic stenosis/regurgitation, I've always had lower-than-average blood pressure. My sensitivity to cold seems to be greatest in my extremities: fingers/hand and toes/feet.

I love winter weather, so I'm frequently out in the cold, and I've found that a hat helps immensely with my overall perception of warmth: if I'm wearing a hat, I feel much warmer that if I'm not. And I'm not necessarily talking about a wool stocking cap. I wear all kinds of hats from baseball caps to a fedora to heavy-duty ski caps with ear flaps; it all depends on where I am, what I'm doing, and what the weather conditions are. I've heard it said that the human body looses 90% (or some other percentage over 50%) of its heat through the head; I don't know if that's true or not, but it sure sounds right to me.
 
I know how you feel, I started on blood pressure medicine about 18 months ago. I was always hot all the time, but since my blood pressure is normal, I am always cold. Sometimes I get so cold, I get on the treadmill just to warm up.

Of course, in the last 11 months I have lost 129 pounds, so I don't have much insulation anymore either.

Lisa
 
I have the skinny, low BP, always cold thing going on too. Been that way just about all of my life, especially in my hands and feet. Since the head of my bed faces the window, I often wear a hat to bed. :D Sexy, I know!!
 
It WOULD be sexy if a hat is ALL you wear... ;)

I discovered last winter that flannel sheets are the best invention ever for folks who get cold in bed...
 
Have you had your thyroid checked, Steve and Ross? This can cause alternating cold and heat intolerance. My husband calls me "The Cube," (not as in frigid, mind you!)

Cheers,
 
Hi Steve

Hi Steve

Hi Steve.

I don't know if this will help but I thought that I would mention it anyway. I am still pre surgery (Don't know when or if), and when I go out on hot days my chest feels very heavy, I get alot of chest pain, and I feel pressure. The same thing happens when it's extremely cold out, and on both sides of the see-saw, I get extremely tired. I hope this helps you, if it doesn't well at least I can relate to what you are going through. Take care. Harrybaby666:D :D :D
 
mellisa

mellisa

I've heard, "cold hands cold feet, warm heart" :)
You should wear more than a hat to bed. try wearing booties and mittens with the hat. That covers all the extremities.
You would still look sexy. ;)
 
Hi Steve-

I've been thinking of your original post and I think it's something you should run by your doctor. Sometimes, if your bloodpressure gets low enough, you can get cold extremeties. Maybe you should have that checked out. Let the pro tell you what's going on.
 
Well, Nancy, I did get TSH (thyroid) checked about 18 months ago in the work-up that found my heart murmur. No problem at that time.

I've always had a rough time with cold weather, it just seems to have gotten more noticeable since the BP med was added. I get to see my cardio for a check-up in a few weeks, so will ask him.

At least I feel a little better knowing that I'm not alone. . . brrr.
 
*raises eyebrow*

Interesting. Very interesting.

I always thought my increased intolerance for the cold temperatures was because of age (heh) and the fact that cold temps mean snow and salt and ice and no more older "baby girls" for a while.........but, I dunno....

I used to love the cold...because I loved to play in the snow....coldness didn't bother me when I was younger. Now, tho, aye...each winter I "swear" that I have to find a home "down south"..... Thus, I can't say that I noticed the increased intolerance due to my heart issues.......

*shrugs*

Peace...Always,
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I distinctly remember having cold feet for months (years?) BEFORE surgery. I often wore socks to bed (preferably without a tight topband).

The FIRST night I slept in my bed AFTER surgery, I remember almost jumping out of bed to REMOVE the socks. I assumed my circulation was greatly improved!

Anybody see the Animated Movie "Shrek"?
Remember the line about "LAYERS"?

Same thing applies to keeping warm in Winter.
Long Johns or loose knit pants (light sweat pants)
undernearth, plus TWO pairs of socks, T-shirt up to the neck,
HAT, scarf, etc works wonders. I just spent half a day
working outdoors at 40 degrees (LOVE these Alabama 'winters':D ) wearing several layers
and NEVER felt cold.

'AL'
 
oh, gosh folks, I think we are going to die here in NW Fl tonight. It is going to be 22 or lower and I have been freezing for a week now - nothin to do with bp. we don't do this kind of cold weather well......Can I borrow the snow blower?
 
Nancy - remember the hat I was crocheting? Its fuzzy and purple and sure keeps my head warm at night! :D
 
Sounds very cozy, Melissa. I'll think "Little House on the Prairie"
they always wore nightcaps, just not purple fuzzy ones. :p :p
 
I just found four pairs of missing socks underneath my bed. I know I put them on before I get in ...

And I thought the dryer was the culprit!

Merry, merry --
 
burrrr

burrrr

But al what do I do when its 40 below? Personally this state(iowa) is one of my least faverite. I have spent time in every state in the country except for Alaska. If I had my choice...I'd move back to Hawaii were I went to school.

Med
 
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