Winter, cold weather increase risk of heart attack, doctor says
Temperatures below 25F may double the risk for heart attack for people with high blood pressure
As the Topeka area braces for another arctic blast, emergency rooms in Kansas and around the country experience an increase in patients presenting with heart problems during winter months. Heart attacks occur more frequently during the winter.
Philip Bongiorno, MD, St. Francis Cardiothoracic Surgery, shares insight about how to prevent heart-related problems this winter and who’s at risk and why.
Seasonal changes, such as decreased daylight, can affect cortisol levels and other hormones, Bongiorno said. These hormone changes may be related to heart disease.
“The excitement of the holidays, New Year’s resolutions to exercise more and the stress of visiting relatives can contribute to heart problems as well,” Bongiorno said.
He said that viral infections, such as colds and the flu, can generally increase the inflammatory state of our bodies. Inflammation is associated with an increased risk of heart attack. Treatments, such as the decongestants pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, can increase blood pressure. Inflammation and increased blood pressure may increase the risk for cardiac events.
“When it comes to shoveling your driveway or sidewalk, remember that exerting yourself in cold temperatures can be more taxing than exercising in warmer temperatures,” Bongiorno said.
Cold temperatures can lead to the constriction of blood vessels, including coronary arteries. Constricted arteries may limit blood flow to regions of the heart, especially if artery disease is already present, Bongiorno said.
“Constriction of blood vessels leads to increased blood pressure, increasing the workload of the heart,” Bongiorno said.
Additionally, blood viscosity may increase during cold weather. This “thicker” blood may be more prone to forming clots, he said.
“The combination of increased blood pressure and increased cardiac work, constricted coronary arteries and increased blood coagulation is a recipe for a heart attack,” Bongiorno said.
So, how do you prevent heart problems this winter?
“The key to avoiding cardiac problems during the cold, winter weather is knowing the risk factors for heart disease and moderating exposure to extreme temperatures,” Bongiorno said.
He said that people who have pre-existing heart problems are likely aware of the warning signs. Any heart symptoms should cause people to seek medical attention. These symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pressure or pain sometimes radiating to the arms or neck, or unusual tiredness.
People without previous symptoms should be aware of their risk factors. These risk factors include age, smoking, diabetes, elevated cholesterol obesity, family history and being male.
Bongiorno suggested the following tips to help prevent heart problems this season:
• Get seasonal and H1N1 flu shots.
• Take time out to relax and try to reduce stress.
• Wear layered clothing, including hats and gloves, to keep warm.
• Avoid being wet.
• Avoid exercise in extreme cold. If it’s colder than 30F, exercise inside.
• Limit time working outside. Take breaks every 15 minutes when shoveling. Monitor your pulse and wait to return to shoveling until your heart rate is back to normal.
• Avoid alcohol, which can cause vasodilatation (widening of blood vessels) and contribute to core body cooling.
• Avoid smoking and nicotine in any type of weather and especially in the cold.
The content of this release is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You are encouraged to confer with your doctor with regard to information provided here and to review information carefully with your professional health care provider.
