Effects of Cold Weather on Heart

December 25, 2022 | 2 minutes read time

Heart complications and disease are the leading cause of deaths worldwide, outnumbering all other cancers combined. However, did you realize that the cold might harm your heart? As a result, individuals with cardiovascular illness should pay extra attention to their heart health during the winter.

What impact cold weather has on your heart?

The physical strain of cold weather can be great, and it can have a variety of negative effects on your heart.

Blood arteries may become more constricted at lower temperatures. This implies that pumping blood throughout the body will require more effort from your heart. Your heart

rate and blood pressure can both be affected by cold weather.

In cold temperatures, those who have coronary heart disease may experience chest pain or discomfort, known as angina pectoris.

In comparison to warmer seasons, colder weather increases the risk of heart attacks. People who aren’t typically active or who aren’t in good physical condition could find themselves suddenly active due to the winter cold. Your heart may be put under stress if you are exercising while it is cold outside, especially if you are not accustomed to either.

If you have cardiovascular disease, exercise with caution especially in cold weather. Wait till the sun shines and shift your morning walks to afternoon rather than going out for an early morning walk.

Avoid hibernating!

In every season of the year, everyone’s health benefits from regular exercise.

These tips will help you exercise safely during winter:

Even in the winter, the weather gets warm during the day. Take advantage of this pleasant weather to go for a stroll or a bike ride outside.

Walk inside the City Centre, the mall, or your other favourite indoor destinations.

Swim in an indoor heated pool.

Attend yoga, Zumba or other pleasurable workout sessions.

Take the stairs, stroll through the halls during work breaks, or include regular exercise with

friends or watch an exercise YouTube video for home workout to add movement to your

daily life.

Choose an activity you enjoy whether it be indoors or outdoors, and schedule your workouts around that time each day.

Be careful this winter.

When you are outdoors in chilly weather, pay attention to how you are feeling and what your body is telling you. When exercising in chilly weather, move slowly and carefully.

Learn the signs of a heart attack and keep in mind that men and women experience heart attacks in various ways. If you or someone shows heart attack warning signals, get medical help right away.

When going outside, wear warm clothing with enough insulation. Avoid wearing too-tight clothing since it may restrict blood flow. The key to being warm in the winter is layering, and don’t forget your neck gaiters, gloves, hats, and scarves.

Don’t put off getting medical attention until you have a cardiac issue. Visit heart specialist frequently. Annual health check-ups are an excellent way to determine your heart’s health and take appropriate guidance and measures  to improve it. It is highly recommended that you consult with your cardiologist if you have any queries or concerns regarding your heart health.

Consult Dr Vanita

Dr. Vanita Arora is a pioneer in giving world-class medical treatment to her patients and is currently spreading newer technical breakthroughs in the field of cardiac electrophysiology, for which she has received training in Germany and the United States. At the TCT India conference in 2016, she was the first in Asia Pacific to present the Live Case of a Leadless Pacemaker. She is the top cardiologist in India, and works relentlessly to provide state-of-the-art patient treatment with perfection.

To consult Dr Vanita for any queries regarding your heart health, please call +919873879994 or drop an email at doctorvanitaarora@gmail.com or fill the appointment form on the website.