A Definite Guide To A Healthy Heart In Winter

Cold weather is the most common health risk you encounter in the winter, but people often view the danger in the extreme, like hypothermia or frostbite as reported by Northwestern Medicine.

Heart health in the cold

However, the drop in temperature can impact your health, specifically your heart, in ways you may not expect.

“Heart attacks are more common in winter,” Patricia Vassallo, MD, a cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine, explains. 

The main risk factor is biological: The cold causes blood vessels to contract, which can raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

If your body temperature drops below 95 degrees, hypothermia can damage the heart muscle.

Lifestyle changes, particularly physical activity, can impact your risk as well.

However, you can take extra precautions by following a few strategic tips from the cardiologists at Northwestern Medicine:

• Dress appropriately for the weather. Wear caps, gloves, and thick socks in addition to layers.
• Come inside frequently. If you’re spending time outside in the cold, take pauses to warm up.
• Excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided. Because alcohol makes you feel warmer than you are, it’s especially harmful when you’re outside in the cold.
• Do not shovel for an extended amount of time. You should also check with your doctor to see if shovelling is safe for you.
• Hands should be washed often. Infections of the respiratory tract can raise the risk of a heart attack.
• Seek assistance. If you’re experiencing new symptoms of a cardiac problem, seek medical attention right away, even if it’s a holiday.

Warnings and symptoms

Acute chest pain is the most common warning sign of a heart attack.

However, symptoms can vary between men and women.

While men occasionally report nausea or dizziness, women are significantly more likely to experience atypical symptoms, sometimes leading them to disregard the signs.

Consult this infographic for more detail on the differences.

Staying heart healthy all year can keep you in the best possible shape when winter rolls around. These tips are always in season:

• Keep a heart-healthy diet in mind.
• Make it a point to exercise on a regular basis.
• Keep track of your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and work with your doctor to keep them within normal limits.
• Take actions to reduce your stress.
• Listen to your body, and if you notice any changes, consult your doctor.

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Source: Northwestern Medicine

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