DANVILLE - Winter's brisk temperatures are more than an inconvenience - cold weather can also be a threat to your body, particularly your heart's health. In recognition of American Heart Month, a Geisinger expert warns residents about winter's weather-related heart hazards.
"Exposure to cold weather causes the arteries to tighten, slowing blood flow and reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches the heart," said Nichole Hossler, M.D., family medicine physician at Geisinger Medical Center (GMC). "Regardless of your age or health, it's always wise to exercise caution when exerting yourself to the cold."
According to Hossler, those with chronic health conditions are at the greatest risk in cold weather.
"Cold air causes an immediate increase in blood pressure and increased heart rate, which aggravates chronic health conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease," she said. "Cold weather greatly heightens the risk of heart attack for those with health conditions."
To avoid putting extra stress on your heart in the cold, she recommends monitoring your physical activity level.
"Shoveling snow is a winter activity that is familiar to all," said Hossler. "Shoveling is particularly hazardous because it requires such high physical demand and often times the body hasn't had a chance to properly warm-up. Shoveling can be extremely dangerous for those who don't exercise regularly."
In addition to shoveling, physical exercise is hard on the heart during the winter, especially if you've been in an exercise lull. Your body's response to exercise, which is a rise in blood pressure and heart rate, is easily exaggerated when you're not conditioned.
"Before going out into the cold, warm up your muscles for 10 minutes with light exercise," said Hossler.
To avoid over-working your heart, wrap a scarf loosely around your nose and mouth so the cold air is warmed before entering the lungs. If you spend more than an hour in the cold, especially during exercise, wear a face mask lined with moisture-wicking material.
"When it's cold, blood flow is concentrated in the body's core making the heart work harder to pump blood to the extremities," Hossler said. "Always remember to wear gloves and warm footwear to ease the burden on your heart and keep you protected from frostbite."
By dressing appropriately, conditioning before entering the cold and listening to your body, strain on the heart can be minimized while activity in the outdoors can be fully enjoyed.
"Take a moment to think about your heart's health before stepping outside this winter," she said. "A few simple precautions can spare you from serious consequences."