With the winter season, the risk of heart attack due to cold weather also increases. Sudden changes in body temperature, especially during winter months, negatively affect heart health. Especially for heart patients, not being exposed to the effects of cold weather and taking protective measures while spending time outside significantly reduces the risk of heart attack.
Specialist from Medicana Samsun Hospital Cardiology Department. Dr. Can Hamsici gave information about the negative effects of cold weather on heart health.
Cold Weather and Wind Are Risky for Heart Patients
Heart health in winter months The main negative factors are cold weather and excessive wind. Exposure to these two factors at the same time causes sudden changes in body temperature and increases the risk of heart attack.
These types of symptoms, which start in the middle of the ribcage and sometimes spread to the left arm, shoulder, jaw, and last for more than a few minutes, such as pressure, pain, burning and heaviness, may be a sign of a heart attack.
Again, pain and discomfort in one or both arms, in the upper abdomen, accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, shortness of breath, and cold sweats may also be signs of a heart attack.
Heart attack. In patients with diabetes, the pain is sometimes in the upper abdomen, and may be mistaken for stomach pain by both the patient and the doctor, and dramatic results may occur.
Diabetic patients do not always have pain in the chest. Extreme fatigue, weakness, nausea and sweating may indicate a heart attack. It is of great benefit for patients with such complaints to warn their doctor and state that they have diabetes.
Apart from typical heart attack symptoms, it is vital that an ECG is taken and cases are not missed, especially in elderly patients with abdominal pain and diabetics. It is very important for heart patients to stay away from cold weather and crowded environments so that they can spend the winter months healthily. Thick socks should be worn to maintain body temperature, especially during periods when the weather is extremely cold, and one should not go out without gloves and a beanie
In Winter Lung Infections&n bsp; An Increase is Observed
In winter months, there is an increase in lung infections, especially in the elderly and heart patients. In heart patients exposed to cold, a simple flu infection can turn into a serious health problem that affects the lungs. For this reason, chronic heart patients should stay away from cold environments that will cause cold and flu infections and spend little time outside in winter. Since long-term exposure to air currents significantly threatens heart health, it is appropriate for them to spend time at home in very cold weather. Heart valve patients, heart failure patients, coronary artery patients and bypass patients face the risk of cold-related crisis, so necessary precautions should be taken.
Closed Areas Should Be Preferred for Exercise in Winter
While heart patients do not have any complaints in hot weather, chest pain may be felt as a result of narrowing of the vessels in very cold weather in winter. Especially people who have such a problem with their heart but are not aware of it do not experience any problems in their physical activities during periods when the weather is sunny and hot. However, when they continue these activities in winter, the workload of the heart will increase. Sudden deaths may occur during sports performed outdoors in cold weather. During the winter months, people with chronic heart disease should stay away from winter sports and prefer indoor sports.
Regular and Balanced Nutrition Should be Considered
Heart patients should also adapt their nutrition programs to the winter season. should be arranged accordingly. A balanced and healthy diet is of great importance for heart health. Patients can consume any type of food without exceeding the appropriate dose for them. During the winter months, adequate amounts of vitamin C should be taken and plenty of winter fruits should be consumed. In cold weather, attention should be paid to calorie intake. Instead of a diet rich in carbohydrates; A diet with balanced protein, fat and carbohydrate ratios should be adopted. High alcohol consumption in cold weather is an important cause of heart attack. Alcohol increases the risk of heart attack by causing sudden changes in body temperature. For this reason, especially in winter months, alcohol l consumption should be limited
Herbal Medicines Should Be Avoided
Unconscious use of herbal medicine is also one of the factors that trigger heart attack. It is not known what effects plants taken from nature will have on the heart. Some herbal medicines can cause narrowing of the blood vessels. It is recommended that people with heart disease do not use medication without the advice of a doctor
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