Heart Health in Winter: Symptoms, Causes and Prevention

The onset of winter can evoke mixed reactions in common people. Some welcome the cold weather, while others fear catching the flu, respiratory diseases, or frostbite in winter weather. But there's another cause of concern that many people might not even be aware of. 

Cold weather can cause blood vessel constriction, an increase in heartbeats, which can raise blood pressure due to increased sympathetic tone, and an increased tendency of the body to form clots, thus increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. In fact, the chances of heart attacks go up by nearly 33 percent during winter.

Needless to say, it is imperative that people take adequate care to stay warm during the winter. Elders specifically tend to be vulnerable during these cold months, as the cold can cause a dramatic drop in their body temperature, leading to hypothermia. If the body temperature dips under 95 degrees, the resulting hypothermia can cause severe damage to the heart muscle. 

Further, patients afflicted with Angina need to be particularly careful as the cold weather can cause coronary artery spasms leading to heart attack. Certain individuals are at a higher risk of getting a heart attack during cold weather, including elderly people, those who have had a prior history of heart attacks, coronary heart diseases, heart failure, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle.

Symptoms 

Knowing that the risk of a heart attack is greater in the winter, it's wise to stay alert and look out for symptoms that might point to a heart attack.

Acute chest pain or discomfort usually diffuses retrosternal but may occur on the left or right side of the chest, shoulder, neck, lower jaw, and stomach, radiating to the upper limb, associated with Nausea, vomiting or dizziness, Shortness of breath

Women, in particular, must stay vigilant, as the symptoms can present differently, leading them to disregard the warning signs. Hence, they must always stay alert to any possible symptoms, even if they experience atypical symptoms.

Causes 

• Cold weather activates sympathetic systems, leading to blood vessel constriction and an increase in heartbeats, thus increasing blood pressure and load on the heart. Constriction of the heart's blood vessels also causes a mismatch of the demand and supply of oxygen to the heart muscle and a heart attack.
• Blood clotting tendencies due to an increased level of coagulation factors such as fibrinogen, factor 7, etc., occur in cold weather, leading to clot formation in the heart and lower limb vessels, which can cause heart attack and deep venous thrombosis in the legs.
• The incidence of the common cold, flu, and pneumonia increases in winter, causing the destabilisation of atherosclerotic plaque in heart vessels, which can prompt clot formation and heart attack.
• Also, in winter, people eat more fatty food and alcohol, more smoking and lack of exercise all contribute to damage to the heart without even noticing these.
• Pollution is another well-recognised risk factor for heart attack and brain stroke. In winter, due to fog, smog, and increased suspended particles in the air, pollution rises to very high levels, which causes heart and lung disease and heart attacks, especially in pollution-prone metro cities.

Prevention

• Eating Healthy: One should eat balanced food that is low in fat, sugar, salt, and protein. This food should contain fruits and vegetables, fibre-rich whole grains, fatty fish (salmon, sardines), nuts, legumes, and seeds. Also, reduce alcohol consumption and stop smoking.
• Staying Active: avoid outdoor activity and exercise in extreme cold; indoor exercise, indoor games and yoga would keep you fit and healthy
• Getting Enough Sleep: Sleeping 7 to 8 hours is crucial for good health.
• Dressing for the weather: People should avoid going outdoors half-dressed. Layers of clothing, such as a coat, hats, gloves, and heavy socks, are important to prevent hypothermia (low body temperature). It's also recommended to wear a scarf or a hat before stepping outside.
• Washing hands frequently: Respiratory infections can increase the risk of a heart attack. To avoid this, one should wash hands with soap and water regularly. Additionally, if any flu symptoms are noticeable, such as a fever, a viral cough, or body aches, immediate steps should be taken to consult a doctor for a flu shot.

Consult your doctor if you have any heart attack symptoms without delay.