Winter Storms and Your Heart: Staying Safe When Temperatures Drop
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The arrival of winter storms often brings a focus on practical preparations – stocking up on groceries, ensuring a reliable heat source, and keeping communication lines open. However, alongside these essential steps, it’s crucial to recognise the heightened risks cold whether poses to cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association emphasizes proactive measures to protect your heart during the winter months.
The Cold’s Impact on Cardiovascular Health
The body responds to frigid temperatures by constricting blood vessels and coronary arteries, a physiological response that raises blood pressure and increases the heart’s workload. This is notably dangerous for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. Even moderate exposure to cold can trigger an increase in blood pressure, and the strain of maintaining a healthy body temperature in cold weather, and activities like shoveling snow or even brisk winter walks demand additional exertion.
Hypothermia, a perhaps fatal condition, occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Symptoms include a lack of coordination, mental confusion, slowed reactions, shivering, and sleepiness. Individuals with pre-existing heart disease are particularly vulnerable and may experience angina pectoris – chest pain or discomfort – when exposed to cold temperatures.
The winter season also coincides with increased rates of cold and flu, and caution is advised when using over-the-counter medications, especially for those with high blood pressure. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist before taking any new medications, supplements, or substances.
Proactive Steps for a Heart-Healthy winter
Fortunately,many precautions can be taken to mitigate these risks.The advice is simple, yet vital: bundle up.Layering clothing is key, trapping air between layers to provide effective insulation. Don’t forget a hat or head scarf, as important heat is lost through the head, and ears are particularly susceptible to frostbite. keeping hands and feet warm is also essential, as they lose heat rapidly.
Avoid overexertion.Walking through heavy snow or engaging in strenuous activities like sledding require more energy than usual.Pace yourself, take frequent breaks, and avoid pushing your body beyond its limits.
Shoveling snow demands particular attention.Instead of lifting and throwing snow, which is highly strenuous, opt for pushing or sweeping whenever possible. Pay close attention to your body and stop immediately if you experience any discomfort.
Staying hydrated is often overlooked in cold weather. Even without noticeable sweating,the body requires fluids to function optimally. Be mindful of the caloric content of comforting winter beverages like pumpkin spiced lattes and hot chocolate, which can be high in sugar and fat.
Limiting alcohol consumption is also crucial. Alcohol can create a false sense of warmth, leading individuals to underestimate the strain cold weather places on their bodies.
It’s equally significant to check on vulnerable loved ones, particularly the elderly. Older adults may have reduced subcutaneous fat and a diminished ability to sense temperature changes, making them more susceptible to hypothermia without realizing they are in danger.
Recognizing Warning Signs and Preparing for Emergencies
Knowing the heart attack warning signs is paramount. Listen to your body and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any concerning symptoms. “Minutes matter when it comes to a heart attack,” a senior official stated. Don’t hesitate to call 911.
Moreover,learning CPR can be life-saving. EMS response times can be slower during inclement weather, and over 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals each year.Hands-Only CPR – calling 9-1-1 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest – can substantially improve a person’s chance of survival.
By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, individuals can protect their cardiovascular health and enjoy a safe and healthy winter season.
