Cold weather can be hard on your heart
Let’s face it, we’re in the middle of the winter doldrums. Early February is usually when many of us grow especially tired of dealing with bone-chilling winter weather.
But cold temperatures are more than just an inconvenience for people with heart conditions. Frigid temps can be dangerous—even deadly.
“In cold weather, the heart has to work much harder,” says University Health interventional cardiologist Dr. Paramdeep Baweja. “Blood vessels constrict, blood becomes thicker, and the heart must pump harder as the body tries to conserve heat. For people with underlying heart problems, these changes can increase the risk of a heart attack.”
Research also shows that cold weather is linked to a rise in heart-related problems, including:
- Higher rates of hospital admissions and deaths from heart attacks during colder temperatures
- Added stress on the cardiovascular system from cold exposure
- Increased cardiac strain from cold snaps and snow-related physical exertion
Watch Dr. Baweja's interview with Fox 4.
“Don’t wait,” Dr. Baweja says. “Head to the hospital or call 911 if you need help.
If family or friends are around, ask them to help you. Don’t delay getting your medications.
Don’t delay getting your heart care,” he added.
If you experience symptoms such as chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, pain in the shoulder, arm, or neck, sweating, or nausea, Dr. Baweja urges you to seek medical care immediately. He often sees patients who delay treatment, hoping symptoms will pass—a decision that can be dangerous.
If you do go outside in cold weather, Dr. Baweja recommends the following:
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