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:
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.
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
Book an Appointment