In addition to posing a number of health risks, cold weather can have a major negative impact on heart health by influencing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Vasoconstriction is the process by which blood vessels contract or constrict in order to retain body heat during the winter months. Because the heart must work harder to circulate blood throughout the body, this constriction raises blood pressure. Furthermore, the heart may experience additional strain as a result of the decreased blood flow to essential organs, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
As explained by Dr. Sushant Srivastava, Chairperson of Heart & Lungs Transplant at Artemis Hospitals, your body’s natural reaction to cold weather is to preserve heat, which may cause alterations in your cardiovascular system. “The body goes into overdrive in cold weather, and the heart has to work harder to keep the blood flowing. When paired with a decrease in physical exercise, this extra strain can significantly affect cardiovascular health, he explains.
They goes on to say that another typical reaction to cold is shivering, which causes muscular activity that momentarily raises cholesterol levels. “People tend to be less active during the winter, which can also lead to higher cholesterol and a higher risk of heart disease,” he cautions.
Dr. Srivastava explains the main effects of cold weather on heart health and offers advice on how to avoid heart attacks.
Blood pressure: The barrier to blood flow increases as blood vessels constrict to preserve heat, momentarily raising blood pressure. The heart may be further taxed by this.
Heart rate: The heart beats more quickly to make up for the increased blood vessel resistance, which might raise blood pressure even further.
Reduced blood flow to vital organs: Vasoconstriction raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes by reducing blood flow to essential organs, such as the heart.
Temporary cholesterol elevation due to shivering: Shivering causes muscles to work harder to produce heat, which can momentarily boost cholesterol levels.
Higher cholesterol due to less physical activity: Cold weather deters people from going outside, which results in less physical activity. Higher cholesterol and a higher risk of heart disease are associated with inactivity.
Tips to Protect your Heart During the Winter
Dress warm: To stay warm, wear a scarf, gloves, a hat, and layers of clothing.
Stay active: To be physically active, undertake indoor workouts like gentle jogging or treadmill walking.
Maintain control over your blood pressure: Monitor any changes in your blood pressure and get medical advice as necessary.
Manage stress: To assist control blood pressure, engage in stress-relieving techniques like deep breathing and meditation.
Eat a healthy diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid excessive saturated and trans fats.
Avoid smoking: Smoking increases the risk of heart disease by narrowing blood arteries.
Speak with your physician: Consult a specialist if you’re worried about how winter may impact your heart health.
