As the New Year turns, you can give thanks that your heart’s already survived the most dangerous month of all: December. Heart attacks spike by 37% on Christmas Eve. And that’s not just a super-stressful New York holiday phenomenon. It occurs worldwide, including in the United Kingdom and Sweden.
However, just because you survived a holiday heart attack, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take extra precautions for the rest of winter. Cold temperatures put their own kinds of stress on your heart that could set you up for heart failure or a heart attack.
This year, Dr. Ola Akinboboye, our renowned cardiologist, recommends paying special attention to your heart health as snow falls and temperatures plummet. If you have any symptoms, including chest pain, we encourage you to visit our office in Rosedale, Queens, New York.
Why are cold winters dangerous for your warm heart? Here are the top reasons, and how you can protect yourself.
Whether you typically engage in outdoor activities, such as running or power walking, or not, you should pay close attention to your clothing and activity level during the winter. Those whipping winds do more than sting your cheeks and numb your nose: They rob your entire body of essential heat.
If you have coronary artery disease, you may even feel chest pain when you get too cold. Chest pain in cold weather is a sign that your heart is struggling. Get out of the cold and see us for an evaluation.
Just as holidays negatively affect hearts around the world, so do cold temperatures. Cold and damp air robs your core of body heat. While you may be most aware of the cold’s effects on extremities, such as fingers and toes, your heart is affected, too. Nearly half of the studies on global weather find increased cardiac events during colder months.
Remedy: Dress in multiple layers when indoors or outdoors. Layers of clothing trap air between them, which better traps your body’s heat. Wear a hat, gloves, and boots to reduce heat loss. Cover your ears as well, as they can lose heat and are susceptible to frostbite.
If you typically jog or run for exercise, reduce the intensity or duration of your workouts. Even if you think you’re in good shape, the added stress of trying to keep warm while braving the cold winds can challenge your heart.
One of the classically dangerous winter activities is shoveling or walking through snow, especially if you’re not used to vigorous workouts. Shoveling snow requires significant effort. So does walking.
Remedy: Don’t shovel snow or run first thing in the morning. Give your heart time to “warm up” in the morning before you stress it. After about an hour — but before a heavy breakfast — bundle up and head outdoors. First, warm up your entire body with some stretches to get the blood flowing.
Be sure to stop and take breaks if you’re not used to exercising outdoors. Even pushing a snowblower could raise your blood pressure and cause a heart attack. If you experience palpitations or chest pain, stop immediately and seek evaluation.
Don’t shovel snow after a New Year’s toast. Alcohol makes you feel warmer than you actually are, which could lead you to dress lightly and raise your risk for hypothermia. Alcohol also stresses your heart, whether you’re shoveling or not.
A heavy meal is also a big no-no. Wait on the waffles and bacon (if you must) until after the driveway’s clear. Digesting a heavy meal diverts blood (and warmth) from your heart and limbs to prioritize your gastrointestinal system.
Remedy: Drink plenty of water and other healthy beverages to stay hydrated. Wait until after the exertion to indulge in a heavier meal.
If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, it’s more important than ever to comply with your prescription instructions. Don’t get caught without the medications you need just because you’re traveling or stressed by the start of a new year.
Do you need to refill your prescriptions or get a work-up to ensure you’re in good enough heart health for winter’s stresses? Phone our caring team at 718-208-4816 or use our online outreach form to schedule an appointment today.
