How cold weather affects the heart
Heat loss
When it gets cold, our bodies adapt by trying to keep our core warm and prevent heat loss. This adjustment may be more difficult for those with cardiovascular disease. Cold weather robs the body of heat, so the heart has to work harder to warm the body. The blood vessels (arteries) will narrow so that the heart can focus on pumping blood to the brain and other vital organs.
Low temperatures can cause rapid heart rate, increase in blood pressure, greater work engagement of the heart than usual and increase in blood viscosity, which in the worst case can lead to blood clotting. This increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
During winter it is important to know the effects of cold weather on the body and the risks to heart health. Elderly people are especially vulnerable in the winter months. If you have a heart problem or are an elderly person, you might find yourself vulnerable during the winter months. But if you take steps to stay warm and take care of your immune system, you'll give yourself the best chance for a speedy recovery, even if you "catch" winter germs.
It is more difficult for the elderly and very young children to regulate their own body temperature. This puts them at greater risk in extreme weather conditions.
The most common signs
As well as protecting your own health, remember to stay in touch with elderly and vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbors during cold spells to make sure they are warm and comfortable and stay healthy.
Heart attacks are more common in winter. Heart attack symptoms can vary, but the most common signs of a heart attack are chest pain or discomfort that comes on suddenly and doesn't go away. It may feel like pressure, tightness or heaviness in the chest. It also manifests itself through indigestion or burning, along with pain that can spread to the left or right arm, neck, jaw, back or abdomen, as well as a feeling of nausea, sweating, dizziness or shortness of breath.
Pain varies
Pain levels also vary from person to person. For some people, the pain or tightness in the chest is severe, while others feel only discomfort or have pain similar to indigestion. Heart attack symptoms can last for days or appear suddenly and unexpectedly.
If you suspect a heart attack, call ambulance
What to do if you suspect you are having a heart attack?
The first thing you must do is call an ambulance immediately. Don't worry if you're not completely sure if your symptoms are a heart attack, it's extremely important to seek medical help as soon as possible. You should then sit down and rest, take a 300 mg aspirin if you have it handy, and stay calm and wait for the emergency medical services.
People often deny that they are having a heart attack and delay seeking medical help. If you are with someone who is having symptoms of a heart attack, but they delay or refuse to call ambulance, it is very important that you call ambulance.
Many people hesitate to call an ambulance when they have chest pain because they often think it is not serious. You should call ambulance immediately if your chest pain is sudden, spreads to your arms, back, neck or jaw, makes you feel heavy or tight, or if you become short of breath or start to feel nauseous.
If your chest pain does not fit these characteristics and you do not experience any other symptoms of a heart attack, there may be other explanations for the problem. It could be indigestion or muscle strain. If you often experience unexplained chest pain, make an appointment with your doctor as you may have an undiagnosed heart condition.
There are 7 ways to keep the body warm and protect the heart during cold periods
1. Keep your home warm and stay indoors as much as possible when it's cold. Wear warm socks, sweaters, if necessary, cover yourself with blankets. You can use a heating pad or an electric blanket.
2. Stay active indoors to raise your core temperature and boost your immune system.
3. Eat hot meals and drink hot drinks regularly to give your body the energy it needs to stay warm. A bowl of homemade vegetable soup can be healthy and filling.
4. Wrap up in layers when going outside in cold weather. Wearing several thin layers can help keep you warmer than one thick layer. Wearing a hat, scarf and gloves will help keep your core warm.
5. Patients with angina pectoris may experience painful discomfort in the chest when going out into the cold air. If you get chest pain, wear a scarf loosely around your mouth and nose or wear a face mask so you breathe in warmer air. This can help relieve symptoms if they worsen in winter.
6. In long-term plans, learn how to make your home more energy efficient and heat it with minimal energy loss.
7. If you feel that you are suffering from a cough or a cold, try to rest and drink enough fluids. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice about medicines.
