Heart disease is a pervasive health issue, especially in changing seasons or winters. Winter generally begins with a lot of health issues like cold. This winter season will bring cooler temperatures for some. For most people, shoveling snow may not lead to any health problems. It’s important to know how cold weather can affect your heart, especially if you have cardiovascular disease. Some people who are outdoors in cold weather should avoid sudden exertion, like lifting a heavy shovel full of snow. Even walking through heavy, wet snow or snow drifts can strain some people’s heart.
angina pectoris (chest pain or discomfort)
heart attacks are more frequent
heart failure – exacerbation or worsening of heart failure and increased hospitalizations as a consequence
high BP.
Reason – Cold weather puts immense strain on the heart. Low temperatures cause your blood vessels and arteries to narrow, restricting blood flow and reducing oxygen to the heart. Your heart must pump harder to circulate blood through the constricted blood vessels. As a result, your blood pressure and heart rate increase. That can cause problems such as a heart attack.
Chest pain or discomfort which can occur on exertion e.g morning walks or at time may start without any exertion , which in medical language is called “unstable Angina”. If this gets worse it may end up in a heart attack.
Heart failure – will present as cough , increasing breathless or difficulty in breathing . This may initially be only on exertion but may progress to breathlessness even at rest or minimal exertion.
High BP – heaviness in head, breathlessness . May lead to stroke or chest pain or even heart attacks.
Know the warning signs of a heart attack – Shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, irregular heartbeat and heaviness or cramping in the chest are all signs you might be having heart problems.
Limit your exposure in cold weather – If you go outside, make sure you dress warmly. Wear extra socks, long underwear and several layers on your upper body.
Don’t overexert yourself – If you decide to take a walk in the cold, don’t overexert your body and take it easy.
Avoid nicotine, alcohol and caffeine. – They can narrow the blood vessels, which can cause the all the problems as mentioned above.
Consult with your doctor – if you have a medical problem or you’re experiencing symptoms of heart disease .