When the temperature drops, the risk of a heart attack increases by 30%; the likelihood of stroke is also higher
The cold is already affecting several regions of the country and, in this scenario, an alert is important: colder days are associated with a greater risk of heart complications. To get an idea, according to a study coordinated by cardiologist Luiz Antonio Machado Cesar, scientific consultant of the Cardiology Society of the State of São Paulo (Socesp), when the average temperature is below 14ºC, the probability of suffering a heart attack increases by 30 %. There is also an increased risk of cerebrovascular accident (CVA), the popular stroke.
How does cold affect the heart?
This is due to a few factors. The first is the increased incidence of respiratory diseases caused by viruses, such as the flu. It’s just that this type of paint triggers inflammation in the body. It turns out that, according to Cesar, an exacerbated response in this direction can cause plaque in an artery to rupture. This can generate clots, leading to a blockage. If this structure is the kind that supplies the heart, the result is a heart attack. If it is found in the brain, it can culminate in a stroke.
Another deciding factor involves a process called vasoconstriction. This natural mechanism of the body is characterized by the contraction of blood vessels and aims, among other things, to maintain heat balance. If this happens in already partially blocked pathways, it can lead to a heart attack or stroke, depending on which artery is affected.
In addition, when cold air comes into contact with the respiratory mucosa – be it the nose, larynx, pharynx or bronchial tubes – it stimulates the production of proteins that contribute to increased blood clotting, according to the cardiologist. And this can block the flow of blood to the vessels that irrigate the heart and brain.
The elderly correspond to the greatest risk group. It’s just that many individuals over the age of 65 already have factors that predispose them to cardiac events, such as high blood pressure and artery problems.
But regardless of age, people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or who have already suffered a heart attack should be especially careful.
Cesar makes it clear that the big problem isn’t the sudden change in temperature, but the intense cold itself – and those who live in places with traditionally colder climates are no longer protected. “The risk of a heart attack for those who live in a colder or hotter region is the same if the temperature is below 14ºC”, reiterates the doctor.
Interestingly, the danger of a heart attack in this cold environment is greater in Brazil than in the countries of the northern hemisphere, which also experience negative temperatures in winter. Cesar explains that this happens because, in these countries, the population usually has heating systems at home and in other environments. Thus, rates of increased risk of heart attack in places like Canada and the northern United States, for example, are in the 10 to 12 percent range.
how to protect yourself
The best way to prevent the cold from interfering with heart risk is to invest in vaccinations against flu and other respiratory diseases, which increase the onset of inflammation.
In addition, the cardiologist advises the elderly and people with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions to stay at home on very cold days. If you need to go out, you need to protect yourself as much as possible. However, he believes that this shielding will never be 100% effective because, even wrapped, the individual will continue to breathe cold air and, therefore, expose the respiratory mucosa.
The Socesp cardiologist also underlines the importance of the elderly being aware of their state of health. “Elderly people need to know if they don’t have hypertension or cholesterol alterations, for example. These conditions can be treated, reducing health risks.”
It turns out that, according to the doctor, these diseases tend to be silent. In this way, many times the first symptom is already a serious manifestation.
Warning signs for a heart attack
Cesar explains that the signs of a cardiovascular problem usually appear before a heart attack itself: “Sometimes, it starts with chest discomfort, not so intense, that bothers you when you go up stairs, for example. Then you have to stop. It lasts. two, three minutes and go,” he says. “One day the discomfort becomes more intense and it also happens with the person sitting, lying down or standing”, he adds. As it gets worse, it’s crucial to go to the emergency room.
However, one party may not appreciate these signs, seeking support only in the face of a heart attack. And, contrary to what is usually imagined, the signs that can give clues to the onset of a heart attack are not necessarily chest pains and pains that last a few seconds.
According to the doctor, the general picture of a heart attack is characterized by a strong compression in the center of the chest, which can extend to both arms and the back. This feeling intensifies and is often accompanied by nausea, the urge to vomit and cold sweat.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
