Heart Care in Winters, How We Can Manage Effectively

Verified By Dr. Amit Handa | 03-Feb-2024

When we talk about keeping our hearts healthy, we usually think about eating well and staying active. But did you know that we also need to be extra careful during the colder months?
When it's cold, our heart has to work harder because the cold weather can make our heart rate and blood pressure go up. This is especially important for people who already have heart problems. Here's why we need to take extra care of our hearts in the cold, along with some tips to help.

Winter is also a time when respiratory diseases increase, making it harder to recognize if someone is having heart problems. Knowing the signs can help people get medical help quickly, potentially avoiding serious complications like heart attacks during winter. So, taking care of our hearts in the cold is crucial for our overall well-being.

Table of Content

• Cold Weather & Heart Diseases
• Know the Signs of a Heart Attack in Winter
• Too Much Time Indoors

Cold Weather & Heart Diseases

We need to be aware that winter causes arteries to narrow, limiting blood flow to the heart. When paired with low temperatures, strenuous activities can put significant strain on the heart and trigger a heart attack. If we have heart disease, we might have chest pain when it's cold, because in winter season our body needs to work harder than usual to stay warm.

What we can do?

If you have medical issues such as heart disease or high blood pressure (hypertension), you should consult a Cardiologist near you. We need to be hydrated, work slowly and take breaks during the exercise sessions. We should dress in layers so we can remove clothing if we get too warm, since overheating can lead to a heart attack.

Know the Signs of a Heart Attack in Winter

As winter descends with its chilly embrace, the risk of heart attacks tends to rise. Understanding the signs of a heart attack during the colder months is crucial for timely intervention. Common signs of a heart attack include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, and cold sweats.

What We Can Do?

Taking proactive steps to safeguard heart health during the winter months is essential. Indoor heating can also contribute to a drier environment, so ensuring proper hydration helps in overall cardiovascular health. It's imperative to be mindful of stress levels, as winter can bring about seasonal blues. Prioritizing our mental well-being through stress management techniques contributes to a healthier heart.

Too Much Time Indoors

When temperatures drop, many of us retreat indoors and become more sedentary. And because of the pandemic, you're probably staying inside more than usual.

What we can do?

Stay active with at-home workouts, like circuit training, yoga or cardio dance, and household chores, like vacuuming. Moderate exercising may also help us relieve stress and help in maintaining a balanced approach. And as we’ve heard before, stress can not only harm our mental health but also impact our heart health.

So, we can say that the cold season make our blood vessels tighten, causing our blood pressure to rise and putting more stress on our hearts. So, it's important to recognize the symptoms of heart issues, especially during cold weather, as they can be mistaken for just feeling cold. If you or anyone you know develops the symptoms, can consult with Heart Specialists at Kailash Hospital, Noida.