Amid ongoing extreme cold spells, with temperatures dropping below -10 °C, extra care is required to maintain good health. Sudden temperature drops can affect blood vessels, impacting the heart and the organs that drive blood circulation. Experts stress the importance of following basic guidelines to prevent cardiovascular diseases during winter.
During winter, sudden temperature drops and significant indoor-outdoor temperature differences strain the heart. Cold air stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, increasing heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, cold weather increases urination, reducing the water content in blood and making it thicker, raising the risk of heart-related conditions.
Coronary artery disease is the most critical heart condition to watch out for during winter. Angina occurs when the coronary arteries—key blood vessels supplying the heart—are gradually blocked by atherosclerosis. If the arteries are suddenly blocked, it leads to a myocardial infarction.
While angina worsens with physical activity like climbing stairs or hills but improves with rest, acute myocardial infarction symptoms persist regardless of movement or posture.
A common symptom of coronary artery disease is chest pain, characterized not by a sharp, stabbing sensation but by a heavy, crushing pain that may induce a sense of fear. Some patients describe it as a squeezing pain.
Acute myocardial infarction, caused by sudden coronary artery blockage due to blood clots, can even cause chest pain during sleep. Most cases present severe symptoms such as cold sweats and persistent pain lasting over 30 minutes. In such cases, calling emergency services immediately and heading to the ER is crucial.
“There is no shortcut to preventing cardiovascular diseases,” says Professor Park Chang Beom from the Cardiology Department at Gangdong Kyunghee University Hospital. “The best approach is maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and following a balanced diet,” he explains.
To prevent cardiovascular diseases, it is recommended to consume plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. Eating them whole and chewing them thoroughly is better than drinking them as juice. Juicing concentrates nutrients, which may negatively affect metabolism when absorbed too quickly.
Quitting smoking, avoiding excessive drinking, exercising regularly, and incorporating oily fish and nuts into one’s diet effectively prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Stress management is another critical aspect. While moderate stress from daily life can enhance productivity, excessive stress and overwork harm health.
“To protect heart health, avoid stress, and spend comfortable, joyful time with family and friends,” advises Professor Park.