If the temperatures drop outside, this means a lot more stress on the heart. Because in order to preserve the vital warmth inside the body and to maintain the supply of the most important organs, the blood vessels in the skin and in the arms and legs contract.
This increases blood pressure and the heart has to work harder to keep the circulation going despite the greater resistance in the body. The coronary arteries also narrow as a result of the cold – another burden on the heart and blood vessels. Overall, the risk of an insufficient supply of oxygen to the heart increases because less enriched blood can reach the heart muscle.
Heralding a heart attack: don’t ignore warning signs
Not only heart patients, but also people without any prior health problems are more susceptible to heart disease in winter. If pain, pressure or burning in the chest and shortness of breath occur suddenly in cold ambient temperatures, then these can be harbingers of a heart attack.
“In winter, symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath should not be taken lightly,” says Professor Dr. Thomas Voigtländer, chairman of the German Heart Foundation. “In this case a doctor should be consulted immediately who will examine the heart thoroughly.”
Previous exposure increases risk
People who have already had a heart attack and patients with coronary artery disease (CHD) and angina pectoris complaints should be particularly careful when it is very cold.
The same applies to people with high blood pressure and heart failure. Vigorous physical exertion in the open air, such as winter sports or snow clearing, is taboo for them.
Regular exercise is important
However, heart patients should not forego regular exercise – it not only increases individual well-being, but also naturally lowers blood pressure. However, the activity shouldn’t be too stressful. Walks, walking and light swimming or cycling are particularly suitable.
If the outside temperature is around freezing point, heart patients should also protect their mouth and nose with a cloth or scarf, advises heart specialist Voigtländer. “In this way, the air reaches the respiratory tract already preheated.” It also makes sense to warm up before going out, for example with gymnastics exercises.
In addition, you should reduce the speed, intensity and duration of physical activity when it’s cold. If the thermometer falls well below zero, it is advisable to exercise indoors, for example in the sports or swimming pool.
Cold increases the number of infarcts
Scientists have shown in recent years that winter weather conditions can actually have negative consequences for the cardiovascular system.
The Swedish long-term study Swedeheart, which included the data of over 280,000 heart patients in the Scandinavian country between 1998 and 2013, has established a connection between very cold air temperatures and the increased incidence of heart attacks.
To a lesser extent, low air pressure, high wind speeds and shorter hours of sunshine can increase the risk of heart attack.
Medication dose must be adjusted in winter
Heart patients should be especially careful when taking their medication in winter. According to Finnish researchers Heart medications such as beta blockers, ASA or nitrates can prevent heart attacks and heart problems in cardiovascular patients.
“Because the blood pressure is often higher in winter, the drug dose has to be adjusted in the winter for some of those affected,” says cardiologist Voigtländer. Important: This may only be done in consultation with the treating doctor.
As a rule, the blood pressure rises after getting up – therefore, antihypertensive preparations should ideally be taken in the morning before leaving the apartment be taken.
Further information
Further information on heart disease in the cold is provided by German Heart Foundation ready. One overview The Heart Foundation has published the most important alarm signals for a heart attack at.
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