The effect of cold temperatures on health and heart disease

Weather of Arabia - Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death worldwide, accounting for an estimated 30% of total deaths annually.

These diseases are due to several causes and factors, which may increase the risk of heart attacks or affect the performance of the heart muscle. These factors include changes in weather and climate fluctuations. It has been confirmed that there is a link between weather changes and an increased incidence of symptoms in patients with cardiovascular disease during the winter compared to the summer. This connection depends on a group of changes and factors that occur in the body and vary from one season to another.

These factors include several aspects, including physical activity, potential exposure to infection, and the impact of air pollution. In addition, the level of various compounds in the body, such as compounds that cause blood clotting, cholesterol, hormones and compounds that affect the expansion or contraction of blood vessels, are affected by seasonal changes.

The human body's response to temperature changes

The human body responds to temperature changes in multiple ways. When the ambient temperature is higher or lower than the body temperature, the body begins to make changes to reduce or increase heat loss. This is done through processes such as heat loss through evaporation and heat transfer from hot objects to cold objects.

If the air temperature drops below 37 degrees Celsius, heat transfer occurs from the human body to the surrounding atmosphere. Therefore, wearing clothing reduces heat loss from the body. In addition, the presence of air and wind increases the rate of heat loss, as the constant movement of air allows the air near the body - which has derived part of the body's heat - to be changed repeatedly, increasing the body's heat loss.

The body protects itself from significant heat loss and seeks to maintain stable internal body temperature at an appropriate level to ensure that the organs perform their vital functions. This is done through two main responses:

• Muscular response: muscle contraction occurs to generate heat.
• Vascular response: Blood vessels constrict to reduce heat loss through the skin.

Blood vessels and temperatures

Blood vessels, especially those in the extremities, respond by constricting when exposed to cold weather, which leads to reduced blood flow to the extremities and skin in general. Blood transfers heat from the center of the body or the heart, and when exposed to cold weather, a person notices cold hands and feet.

The degree of energy production in the body increases during cold weather, as this occurs through shivering and shivering. Tremor generates involuntary muscle movements, which leads to increased energy production. Shivering requires a higher flow of oxygen and increased work of the heart muscle to ensure enough blood is supplied to the muscles to produce energy and raise body temperature.

The heart is an essential component in maintaining the appropriate body temperature. The presence of chronic heart problems or diseases directly affects how the body responds to changes in weather and weather conditions.

Cold weather and coronary artery disease

Maintaining body temperature in winter is a challenge for individuals with heart disease. Cold weather requires extra effort from the heart muscle to ensure greater blood flow, in order to maintain body heat. Patients with coronary heart disease suffer from narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle can disrupt its functions, causing chest pain and shortness of breath, and can lead to symptoms such as angina and heart attack.

In patients with coronary artery disease, exposure to cold weather can increase the effort it takes to keep warm, posing an additional challenge. Cold, the need for greater effort to maintain temperature, increased physical activity, as well as brisk walking in the face of cold winds, and a higher respiratory rate all require additional effort from the heart. Research indicates that the majority of angina cases occur in the fall and winter at a higher rate compared to the summer, as well as a higher incidence of heart attack during the winter, especially among males and the elderly. In some cases, the presence of coronary artery disease can be accompanied by weakness in the heart muscle, which increases the risk of fluid accumulation in the lungs, necessitating the need for medical attention and close follow-up.

Special mention should be made of the elderly and people with cardiovascular diseases, as the challenges of keeping their bodies warm increase during the winter. This is due to the increased effort required from the already damaged heart muscle to maintain body temperature. They may have a lack of body fat, especially older people who are underweight, which increases their heat loss and reduces their ability to conserve heat. Some of them suffer from not feeling cold in their limbs due to other chronic diseases such as diabetes, which affects sensation in the peripheral nerves, making them more susceptible to icy limbs, ulcers caused by cold, and other problems. The presence of other diseases may further complicate the problem and reduce their ability to express their feelings of coldness, so special attention should be paid to these individuals.

Other factors associated with cold weather

It affects heart patients. In addition to the cold weather during the winter, the cold surrounding air, and the winds that take away the warmth surrounding the body, the chance of contracting and contracting infections increases, especially seasonal influenza. The flu itself can be a critical condition for heart patients, as the flu, which causes high body temperature, increases the stress on the heart muscle, and causes double general fatigue on the patient’s body, which can cause an exacerbation in the symptoms of heart failure and coronary heart disease.

Cold weather precautions for heart patients:

• Avoid prolonged exposure to cold weather: Limit your time in cold air as much as possible, stay warm when outside, and wear warm, appropriate clothing.
• Avoid excessive fatigue: Avoid strenuous physical activities during cold weather, and avoid lifting heavy objects or removing excessive snow.
• Moderate heating: Avoid heating the room to very high temperatures. Wear multiple layers of clothing to effectively control your temperature.
• Taking care of heart health: Take the influenza vaccine to reduce the chances of contracting diseases resulting from cold weather, and avoid excessive stress.
• Caring for the elderly: Make sure the elderly are comfortable and provide a warm environment for them, and be careful if they are unable to express their needs.

By following these precautions, heart patients can maintain their health and reduce the risk of heart problems during the winter.

Source: Medical