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How Cold Weather Impacts Heart Health and How to Stay Safe
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How Cold Weather Impacts Heart Health and How to Stay Safe


As winter comes, many people anticipate warm nights by the fire and joyful outdoor activities. However, lower temperatures can be hazardous to heart health. The body's reaction to cold temperatures can stress the heart, especially for people who already have cardiovascular problems. Understanding how cold weather affects the heart and taking preventative measures to safeguard cardiovascular health can help mitigate these risks. As the temperature drops, our cardiovascular system adjusts to keep the body warm. Some of the effects on include:

  • Vascular constriction and blood pressure increase: Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to contract, raising blood pressure. This additional burden on the heart can be challenging, particularly for people who already have heart issues.
  • Elevated risk of cardiovascular events: The combination of cold-induced vasoconstriction and elevated blood pressure may raise the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes, especially in vulnerable groups.
  • Stress on the cardiovascular system: Winter temperatures put additional strain on the cardiovascular system, which must work harder to maintain optimal body temperature. Individuals with heart problems may suffer higher stress, demanding changes in lifestyle and food choices.
  • Reduced blood circulation to extremities: In cold weather, the body prioritizes blood flow to essential organs, which may result in diminished circulation in the extremities. This can lead to symptoms like cold hands and feet, which can affect people who have Raynaud's illness.
  • Increased vulnerability for individuals with heart conditions: Individuals with pre-existing heart diseases face increased susceptibility throughout the winter. Cold-induced stress, combined with other winter variables, emphasizes the significance of taking proactive actions to maintain heart health, such as lifestyle changes and nutritional recommendations.

Complications of Heart Diseases

Individuals with heart problems face increased risks throughout the winter. Cold weather can put a strain on the heart, forcing it to work harder to keep the body warm. Additionally, respiratory infections, which are common during the winter, can exacerbate cardiovascular problems. As a result, a heart-healthy winter diet becomes a preventative tool in reducing problems.

How to Take Care of Your Heart in Winters?

In the winter, we tend to eat hot and hearty meals to stay warm. Furthermore, being warm helps to strengthen our immune systems, allowing our bodies to fight off winter illnesses. To stay healthy, you should eat seasonal vegetables and fruits, including beetroot, cabbage, capsicum, carrots, cauliflower, pumpkin, sweet potato, and broccoli.

Maintain a Balanced Sleep Pattern

Getting healthy, balanced sleep is critical for everyone's mental and physical health. Poor sleep, on the other hand, increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and high blood pressure. Every adult needs 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night.

Indulge in Regular Physical Activity

Exercising is a vital physical exercise that promotes body warmth and heart health. However, staying on track with your workout plan might be difficult throughout the winter. Still, it is suggested that everyone engage in at least 150 minutes of exercise per week in order to maintain a happy heart. Exercising is vital in all seasons, not just winter. Walk for at least 30 minutes every day, beginning after sunrise. Wear a sweater, jacket, muffler, and a cap. Maintain consistency with your exercise. If you do not enjoy being outside, do it indoors.

Protect yourself from flu or infections

The flu and infections occur especially during the winter and can cause major health problems; thus, you must take precautions to avoid these problems. Furthermore, persons who already have heart issues are at a larger risk, thus we advise you to take extra precautions. Dress warmly when going outside in chilly weather; the body loses heat quickly when it's cold and damp, putting extra strain on the heart.

Always listen to the heart warnings and symptoms.

If you feel intolerable or severe chest discomfort in the winter and it radiates to your neck, arm, or shoulders, these could be signs of a heart attack. Aside from these symptoms, males and women may exhibit various symptoms. For example, men may have dizziness and nausea, but women may experience weariness and dizziness. Always visit your cardiologist about how to best care for your heart.

  • Manage stress: Stress can have a negative impact on your heart; therefore, it's critical to discover coping mechanisms. Exercise, deep breathing, meditation, and yoga are all helpful stress-management practices.
  • Don't smoke: Smoking and consuming tobacco products can harm your heart and blood vessels. It is critical to quit smoking if you are addicted to it.

Conclusion

Cold weather presents unique difficulties to heart health, especially for people who have pre-existing problems. Understanding the risks and taking the necessary steps can help preserve your cardiovascular system during the winter months. Dressing warmly, avoiding vigorous outside activities, monitoring your health, and staying hydrated are all important strategies in protecting your heart when temperatures decrease. With careful care and attention, you can continue to enjoy the winter without jeopardizing your heart health.

Dr. D.K. Jhamb, Director & Head of the Department

Interventional Cardiology

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