Winter time and its effects on the heart

Most importantly

• The importance of daily blood pressure monitoring in all seasons but especially in winter
• How cold weather affects the heart  
• How to deal with the risks cold weather puts on our health

The start of cold weather is also the start of a rise in heart attacks. This is due to the way that cold weather negatively affects the cardiovascular system. There is evidence, as well as numerous studies, as to why cold weather makes it harder for the heart to work. That's why monitoring blood pressure daily is especially important, as well as what device you use to measure it.  
 
One of the reasons this can happen is due to our body temperature dropping during the winter, especially when wearing improperly insulated clothing. When going from warm to cold and vice versa this can come as a shock to the body as our heart rate rises to compensate for the low temperature and tries to warm the body. This can be extremely dangerous for patients who have or are predisposed to heart or cardiovascular disease. People who are affected by coronary heart disease often suffer from acute tightening chest pains when exposed to cold temperatures. 

Main reasons why the cold weather affects the heart  

The heart goes into overtime during the winter months. The cold weather increases the need for it to pump more blood to the peripheral parts of the body. This leads to an increase in blood pressure which increases the chances of cardiovascular accidents. Blood and oxygen flow to the heart become reduced putting it at higher risk. This is due to the way cold weather constricts the blood vessels and makes the arteries and veins more narrow.  
 
Wintertime comes with a significant lack of vitamin and mineral levels. Vitamin and mineral level deficiencies are among the highest risk factors for heart attack, heart failure, peripheral artery disease and stroke. The risk of developing cardiovascular health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes is also increased due to these deficiencies. 
 
Other risk factors include cholesterol levels, which often fluctuate during the colder months, further putting people at risk of cardiovascular events. In winter, most people consume more fatty and calorie-dense foods and take in larger amounts of alcohol, which affects blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Last but not least, cold temperatures cause large amounts of urine to be excreted, resulting in thicker blood, slower blood flow and increased blood clotting. 
 
The sudden drop in temperatures increases the "stickiness" of erythrocytes and leukocytes, which leads to an increase in the risk of thrombus formation and blockage of blood vessels 
 
Cold winter temperatures increase the risk of angina as the constriction of blood vessels disrupts the blood supply to the heart. Angina is the most common form of coronary heart disease, which is felt as a sudden tightness and squeezing in the chest area. This is further evidence of how important it is to control blood pressure levels and the condition of the heart.   

According to various studies, the number of heart attacks increases significantly at temperatures below -4 degrees Celsius. Hypertensive patients and those with other chronic diseases are particularly vulnerable. Heart attacks have been found to increase significantly when the temperature drops by more than 5 degrees, no matter how cold it was beforehand. 
 
Rising blood pressure is another major cause of the doubling of strokes in winter. High blood pressure disrupts blood circulation in the brain and hinders oxygen supply, which can lead to ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.  

What to do to combat these risks 

Experts advise patients suffering from cardiovascular problems and hypertension to be extra careful during cold spells. The main recommendation is to measure blood pressure regularly and keep it within normal limits. In order to have a real, adequate and accurate measurements, trust safe, quality, and proven devices. Sendo’s range of blood pressure monitors are easy to use and provide you with clinical accuracy at home. Their automatic blood pressure monitors have a special HIRA technology which detects and analyses arrhythmia.

Specialists' recommendations for reducing the risk of vascular problems include movement and regular exercise to help dilate peripheral blood vessels and improve circulation. If possible, physical exercise should be done at room temperature rather than outside in cold weather as most cardiac events have been reported in cases in which people with hypertension shovel snow.  

Another recommendation is to limit the amount and consumption of fatty foods, especially those of animal origin. Instead, everyone should make an effort to regularly consume seasonal fruits, vegetables, as well as nuts and low-fat products, among the other suggestions to improve cardiovascular health.  
 
Last but not least, is dehydration and reduced fluid intake during winter. Dehydration and reduced fluid intake reduce the volume of blood circulating in the body, so the intake of sufficient fluids, acts favorably on the work of the heart.  Limited consumption of coffee and carbonated sweetened drinks, and those containing caffeine improve vascular health as they do not constrict blood vessels. 
 
Of particular importance is the regular monitoring of blood pressure, following your doctors' recommendations for treatment, enjoying your life, and to keep on smiling 
 
This article is not a substitute for consulting your GP or cardiologist, but offers you reassurance in personal blood pressure monitoring - it's all about technology and trust.