Can Cold Weather Increase the Risk of Heart Attacks: Cold weather can be very tough on the heart, and even cause major cardiovascular problems. Winter season can create problems in circulation, and even the people with some heart problems may suffer from heart attacks and strokes due to blocks in arteries. Therefore, it is very important to take care of the heart and follow appropriate practices to keep your cardiovascular condition safer.
Because cold temperature affects cardiac and circulation functioning, it puts more strain on the heart. Those who already have cardiovascular disease are especially vulnerable to heart attacks in the winter. As a result, it is usual for the winter and colder months to see an increase in cases of serious cardiac issues.
This article addresses various factors that raise the risk of heart attacks, the impact of cold weather on that risk, and steps people can take to reduce their risk.
How Does Cold Weather Affect Heart Health?
Your heart is impacted by the cold in a few different ways. The cold causes physiological alterations in your circulatory system. In addition, you could opt to stay home during the winter to unwind and get warm rather than being as active. As a result, you might not be moving your heart and body as much.
What can happen to your heart in the chilly winter months is as follows:
- Narrowed Blood Vessels
Your blood vessels often expand up during physical activity or exercise to provide your body with the additional oxygen it needs to perform its functions. However, blood vessels constrict in the cold, making it more difficult for blood to reach the heart.
If you already have plaque accumulation in your blood arteries, this is very worrying. Blood clots more easily in veins that are already partially clogged by plaque accumulation, making it more likely that blood will not reach your heart and other parts of your body. This might trigger a heart attack.
- Increased Blood Pressure
The pressure in your arteries is known as your blood pressure. Your heart has to work harder to pump blood where it needs to go because the cold constricts blood vessels. This implies that elevated blood pressure may be a result of chilly weather.
A brief rise in blood pressure is usually not a significant concern if it is normally normal. However, persistently high blood pressure might result in abrupt artery blockage, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Pulse Rate Increase
Has the cold caused you to notice a quicker heartbeat? Your heart rate can be impacted by the cold because a lower body temperature forces your heart to beat faster in an effort to keep you warm. Although an elevated heart rate does not indicate a heart attack or heart illness, it may indicate that your heart is overtaxed and that you need to take a break.
- Winter Lifestyle is a Cause of Heart Diseases
When it’s five degrees below zero outside, it’s probably not surprising that most people would prefer to curl up on the couch with a blanket than take a long winter walk. However, we’re also more inclined to consume more alcohol and indulge in fatty comfort food—oh, those Christmas cocktails. Additionally, these options aren’t very heart-healthy if moderation is abandoned.
Combining these habits can raise your risk of heart disease and heart attacks as well as cause unfavorable changes in blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight.
- Cold Weather and Winter Activities
Does this imply that you should exclusively work out inside during the winter because the cardiovascular system isn’t as effective in colder weather?
No. It simply means that when you engage in activities that put more pressure on your heart, including skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, skating, or other outdoor pursuits, you should be aware of your body’s needs. This is particularly true for shoveling snow, an action that has been connected to a number of winter heart attacks.
Reduce the Risk of Heart Attacks During Winters
We are aware that your sidewalk won’t clear itself, of course. Furthermore, you want to make the most of your season pass at the ski resort in the Lutsen Mountains, right? In order to avoid heart attacks during winter, consider the following advice on maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle:
- If you go outside, dress in layers according to the activity and the weather. When you become more active, you can take off layers by dressing in layers. While you don’t want to overheat, you still want to be warm. It’s a good idea to take off a layer and take a break to cool down if you start to perspire.
- Invest in a snow blower and change your shoveling routine, particularly if your driveway is long. However, leave before the snow has a chance to accumulate if you need to shovel. Next, go cautiously and in brief bursts.
- Let yourself off the hook – Hire a kid from the neighborhood, if you can. It’s especially a good idea to delegate the obligation if you have heart disease, have already experienced a heart attack, or don’t engage in a lot of annual physical activity.
- When exercising, take frequent breaks to drink water and stay hydrated. The body finds it more difficult to maintain body temperature when dehydrated, which also facilitates blood clotting.
- Start gently when exercising outside in the winter, even if you’re in good shape, to give your body time to acclimate to the lower temperatures. Once you’re outside, try some simple exercise like running in place or stretches. If you’d rather not bundle up for an outside stroll, take a small stroll or join a gym for a workout.
Conclusion
What are the telltale indicators that your heart isn’t beating strong enough and that you should slow down and maybe seek medical attention?
Chest pain is the most prevalent warning sign of heart attack and cardiovascular disorders, regardless of whether you are reading a book or have just completed shoveling snow. Chest discomfort can radiate to the chin, neck, arms, rear of the chest, or upper central stomach area. It is commonly described as central chest tightness, heaviness, burning, or heartburn. Other typical symptoms include nausea, lightheadedness or dizziness, increased perspiration, and shortness of breath.
If you are feeling any of the aforementioned symptoms while shoveling snow outside or engaging in any other physical activity, stop right away and take a rest. In case your heart beats faster or you struggle with any heart related problems; it is better to take breaks or to consult with doctors.
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Dr. Ravinder Singh Rao is here to suggest patients best ways and measures to deal with their problems. This cold weather, you do not have to struggle anymore. The mentioned details are enough to guide you for the best, and besides all the details; Dr. Ravinder Singh Rao will always be there to support and suggest the right things. contact us…