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 cardiac arrest. The organization emphasizes that strenuous activities in cold weather add additional stressors to the heart, which must work harder to maintain body temperature.
Hypothermia presents a significant danger during cold weather, 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 warns about cold medications, advising those with high blood pressure to consult health care professionals before taking over-the-counter medications, supplements, or substances.
Proper clothing provides essential protection against cold weather hazards. Layering traps air between garments, creating protective insulation, while wearing hats or head scarves prevents heat loss through the head. Keeping hands and feet warm is crucial as they lose heat rapidly. The association cautions against overexertion, noting that walking through heavy snow or shoveling requires extra energy expenditure. When clearing snow, pushing or sweeping rather than lifting and throwing reduces exertion, and paying attention to bodily signals is essential.
Hydration remains important even in cold weather when thirst sensations diminish. The association warns about high-calorie seasonal drinks like pumpkin spiced lattes and hot chocolate containing unwanted sugar and fat. Alcohol consumption requires particular caution as it may increase warmth sensations while masking the body's strain in cold conditions. Elderly individuals face additional risks due to lower subcutaneous fat and diminished temperature sensitivity, potentially suffering hypothermia without awareness.
Recognizing heart attack warning signs and responding quickly can save lives. The association stresses that minutes matter and recommends immediate 911 calls even when uncertain about symptoms. With emergency medical services potentially delayed during bad weather, learning Hands-Only CPR becomes particularly valuable. More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals annually, and Hands-Only CPR can double or triple survival chances through two simple steps: calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest.
The American Heart Association provides comprehensive resources about cold weather and cardiovascular disease at heart.org. Additional health information includes specific guidance on Cold Weather and Cardiovascular Disease and How to Stay Active in Cold Weather. These resources offer practical strategies for maintaining cardiovascular health during winter months when cold weather poses unique challenges to heart function and overall wellbeing.
