Strong winds, snow, and rain, as well as cold temperatures, can steal your body’s warmth. Elderly people may suffer from hypothermia without realizing that they are in danger due to decreased subcutaneous fat and a decreased ability to sense temperature.
People with coronary heart disease often experience angina (chest pain or discomfort) when the weather is cold.
Joan Whitmore, a nurse at the British Heart Foundation, warns in an interview with the British newspaper The Independent that cold temperatures can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as respiratory infections such as influenza, and indicates that people with cardiovascular diseases are more susceptible. To danger.
How can cold weather affect the heart?
Julie Ward, a nurse at the British Heart Foundation, says: ‘When you’re cold, the blood vessels in your skin, fingers and toes narrow, so less heat is lost. But this narrowing creates more pressure in the rest of the blood circulation, which means the heart has to “It works harder to pump blood throughout the body, which increases heart rate and blood pressure.”
A cold can also increase the risk of blood clots because it can make the blood thicker and more likely to clot. “The factors in your blood that cause it to clot become more concentrated, and at the same time, the natural anticoagulants, which help prevent clots, leave the bloodstream,” Ward explains. “All of this makes a heart attack or stroke more likely.”
Tips to protect your heart this winter
- Wear warm clothes
To prevent hypothermia, wear layers of warm clothing, which traps air between the layers and forms a protective insulation. The American Heart Association also recommends that you wear a hat because a lot of your body heat can be lost through your head.
“Putting a scarf around your mouth can help warm the air before it reaches your lungs, reducing shock to your body,” Tang advises.
- Eat warm food and keep your body hydrated
“Eat warm, heart-healthy meals that are full of fiber and lean protein. Soup is your best friend. Keeping your body hydrated also helps your blood flow smoothly,” Tang recommends.
- Exercise indoors
“Gentle indoor exercise can help keep your blood flowing without overtaxing your heart,” says Tang. “Avoid strenuous exertion outside in freezing temperatures, unless you are well prepared and take regular breaks.”
- Consult your doctor
If you have a medical problem or question about exercising in cold weather, especially if you decide to significantly increase your usual level of physical activity, consult your doctor.
Know the signs of a heart attack, and remember well that even if you are not sure that it is a heart attack, it is best to consult a doctor. Signs of a heart attack include chest discomfort, discomfort in other areas of the upper body, and shortness of breath. Other signs you may notice include cold sweats, nausea, or dizziness.
“Don’t ignore chest pain, shortness of breath or extreme fatigue,” Tang stresses. “If you feel anything abnormal, get checked by a GP.”
- Learn CPR
Effective CPR performed immediately after a sudden cardiac arrest can double the victim’s chances of survival. Hands-only CPR makes saving a life easier than ever before.