The American Heart Association has issued important guidance about cold weather's impact on cardiovascular health as winter storms approach. Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to contract and coronary arteries to constrict, which can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or even cardiac arrest. The organization emphasizes that strenuous winter activities add additional stressors to the heart, which already works harder in cold weather to maintain healthy body temperature.
Hypothermia presents a serious danger, occurring when the body cannot produce enough energy to maintain internal warmth. Symptoms include lack of coordination, mental confusion, slowed reactions, shivering, and sleepiness. People with heart disease often experience angina pectoris (chest pain or discomfort) in cold conditions. The association also cautions about cold and flu medications, advising those with high blood pressure to consult health care professionals before taking any over-the-counter medications, supplements, or substances.
For protection against cold weather hazards, the association recommends bundling up with layered clothing to trap insulating air between layers. Wearing hats or head scarves is crucial since significant heat escapes through the head, and ears are particularly vulnerable to frostbite. Keeping hands and feet warm is equally important as they lose heat rapidly. When engaging in physical activity like walking through heavy snow or shoveling, individuals should pace themselves, take breaks, and avoid overexertion since the body already uses extra energy to stay warm.
Hydration remains essential despite reduced thirst sensation in cold weather, and people should monitor their consumption of high-calorie seasonal drinks like pumpkin spiced lattes and hot chocolate that contain unwanted sugar and fat. Alcohol consumption requires particular caution as it may create a false sensation of warmth while masking the body's strain in cold conditions. The association urges checking on elderly loved ones who may have diminished temperature sensitivity and lower subcutaneous fat, putting them at risk for hypothermia without awareness.
Recognizing heart attack warning signs and taking immediate action is critical, with the association advising people not to wait to call 911 even if uncertain about symptoms. With more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occurring outside hospitals annually and emergency response times potentially slower in bad weather, learning Hands-Only CPR can double or triple survival chances. The two-step process involves calling 9-1-1 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest. Additional resources about cold weather and cardiovascular disease are available at https://heart.org, including specific guidance on Cold Weather and Cardiovascular Disease and How to Stay Active in Cold Weather.
