As temperatures cool in the fall and winter, the change of season affects your body in a variety of ways. Frigid winds make you shiver; dry air chaps the lips and unprotected hands; and a lack of sunlight can even cause depression.
How cold affects the heart
The cold weather also puts tremendous pressure on the heart. Low temperatures cause your blood vessels and arteries to narrow, reducing blood flow and reducing oxygen to the heart. Your heart must pump harder to circulate blood through narrowed blood vessels. . As a result, your blood pressure and increased heart rate
A sudden increase in blood pressure - especially when combined with the external force, such as shoveling a snowy sidewalk - can cause problems such as serious:
- unstable chest pain
- heart attack
- stroke
what is hypothermia?
Another danger in cold weather is hypothermia, which is when your body temperature drops dangerously low - below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. When this happens, your heart, nervous system and other organs can not function properly. Untreated, hypothermia can lead to heart failure and respiratory system and death
The symptoms of moderate to severe hypothermia include :.
- Many chills or stop by shivering
- Lack of coordination
- speech
- Confusion
- weak pulse
- slow, shallow breathing
- somnolence
your body is fighting hypothermia by keeping your heart as warm as possible. This causes a lack of circulation, especially at the ends of your body such as fingers and toes, which may cause frostbite
stages Frostbite
There are three stages of frostbite -. Frostnip, superficial, and advanced.
- frostnip is the mildest form and earlier frostbite. It may feel like pins and needles, throbbing, pain or numbness.
- The second stage of frostbite is superficial and can be identified by the skin turns white or very pale and hard. After warming treatment, the skin may appear blue or purple blisters filled with fluid and can appear.
- Severe frostbite affects all layers of the skin. You may lose sensation and the ability to use the joints or muscles. The affected skin may become black and hard as the tissue dies, damaging tendons, muscles, nerves and bones.
frostnip can be treated at home by wrapping sterile dressings around the infected area. You should always consult a doctor if symptoms of superficial or serious frostbit occur. Other symptoms of frostbite include fever, dizziness and general malaise.
How to avoid cold heart related problems
To avoid any heart or circulatory system risk this winter, be sure to:
- Dress warmly . Although hypothermia usually takes longer exceed the body, frostbite can occur within minutes. Be sure to cover the head, ears, fingers and feet properly.
- Avoid over exertion. Take frequent breaks while performing physical activities outdoors.
- Stick to soft drinks. Alcohol may make you feel deceptively warm, forcing you to underestimate the actual temperature of your body and making you more susceptible to hypothermia.
If you or a loved one has heart disease, to take additional steps to ensure that you have a safe winter, and always seek medical care or advice from a doctor if you you feel in danger of one of the cold weather effects. For more information, visit the Heart and Vascular Institute UPMC online or call 1-855-UPMC-HVI (876-2484) to schedule an appointment.
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