Across the country, this winter, which ends this week, is on track to be the coldest in almost two decades. Body Designs 222: Heart Health Hazards will look at the effects cold weather has on your heart.
As you know, smoking, abnormally high cholesterol, diabetes, consistently high blood pressure, stress, abdominal obesity, sedentary lifestyle and excessive alcohol consumption are key risk factors in having a heart attack.
However, did you know that the weather could also have a significant negative effect on Heart Health?
FastMed Urgent Care reports a 53 percent increase in the risk of heart attacks during the winter over the summer months. While it has been long reported and known that in areas where people of all ages and fitness levels have to shovel snow are at risk, the increase is consistent across warmer winter month climates like in Los Angeles, where it hasn’t snowed in 70 years (until last month [2/21/2019]) of course when it snowed in the Valley and the hills of Malibu).
The body stays warm as a result of the heart pumping blood efficiently through the circulatory system. However, when temperatures drop, the body’s arteries and blood vessels constrict, reducing blood flow and increasing blood pressure and the risk of heart attack in trying to warm the body. Furthermore, the American Heart Association notes that patients who suffer from angina tend to experience an increase in chest pain and discomfort during the winter.
Cholesterol levels also appear to rise in the winter. Cold environmental temperatures also cause the body to increase its blood levels of the immune system compounds that help fight off infections like the flu. While that is a good thing, negatively it may also paste more plaque on the artery walls increasing the risk of heart attack, according to researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.
Another reason winter months cause risks in Heart Health is the lack of sun exposure. Due to shorter days and normally more cloudy skies, natural levels of Vitamin D (which we get from the sun’s rays) reduce as well. Believe it or not, those with decreased levels of Vitamin D are at higher risk of experiencing a heart attack or developing heart disease, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease and dementia. More than one study has shown a person with low levels of Vitamin D are two times as likely to suffer a stroke or heart attack as someone with higher levels.
So, what are today’s take-a-ways? While researchers are unsure if these seasonal shifts can be controlled, during the winter, it is best to dress warmly. Layer your clothes, wear a hat, gloves, thick socks and a scarf. The body’s extremities are perfect escape hatches for body heat. Also, if getting 15 minutes of sun daily is difficult, consult your doctor about supplementing to increase Vitamin D levels.
One more thing. If you haven’t yet reviewed us on Google, please do. It will only take a minute. CLICK HERE
Or, if you have been away for awhile and have forgotten where we are…our address is:
10542 W. Pico Blvd., Suite A, Los Angeles, CA 90064. 310-838-9991