Heart Health

How winter’s chill can challenge your heart

A few simple precautions can minimize your risk.

winter chill challenge your heart
 Image: robertiez/Thinkstock

Every time you venture out into the bone-shivering, teeth-chattering cold of a Northern winter, your heart and blood vessels kick into overdrive to keep your internal organs cozy. To accomplish this feat, the tiny blood vessels in outlying areas such as the fingers and toes constrict to stem the loss of body heat into the environment. The flip side of this protective maneuver is that the heart must beat against extra force to overcome the resistance it meets in the narrowed vessels.

Supply and demand mismatch

Smart precautions

You can minimize the impact of cold weather on your heart by taking steps to avoid situations that are likely to put you at risk.

Don't overexert. Remember that your heart is already working overtime to compensate for the cold temperatures. Therefore, don't push yourself with strenuous activities such as shoveling heavy snow or partaking in vigorous outdoor exercise unless you are in good physical shape.

Keep your body temperature steady. Put on warm outerwear including coat, gloves, and hat before facing the elements. This will guard against hypothermia, in which the body's internal temperature falls too low. Likewise, dress in layers that you can peel off if you get too warm. Overheating can lead to an abrupt and potentially dangerous drop in blood pressure.

Get a flu shot. A bout of seasonal flu can trigger a heart attack in people already at risk for heart disease. The flu causes a fever, which can make your heart beat faster. It can also cause dehydration, which can have a similar effect as the heart beats faster to maintain your blood pressure.

Keep your prescriptions filled. Icy conditions can make it difficult to get to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription, so make sure not to let your supply of heart medicines run low.

Heed the warning signs

 

 

 

To continue reading this article, you must log in.

Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.

  • Research health conditions
  • Check your symptoms
  • Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
  • Find the best treatments and procedures for you
  • Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online »

I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.

Sign Me Up

Already a member? Login ».

Disclaimer:

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss...from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.

BONUS! Sign up now and
get a FREE copy of the
Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.