Winter is tough for people with heart conditions, causing increased blood pressure and heart strain. Key tips to
stay heart-healthy include monitoring your vitals, being careful with exercise, consulting a doctor before winter
sports, staying hydrated, preventing blood clots, dressing warmly, and avoiding sudden temperature changes.
Stay cautious and warm to protect your heart this winter.
Winter can be a challenging time for people with heart conditions. As the temperature drops, our bodies respond by tightening blood vessels, which can raise blood pressure, speed up the heart rate, and make the heart work harder. For those dealing with heart issues like ischemic heart disease or heart failure, this added strain can increase the chances of chest pain, irregular heartbeats, or even heart attacks. The cold can also trigger a surge in stress hormones, further narrowing blood vessels and adding extra pressure on the heart. This
can lead to dangerous problems like artery spasms, damaged blood vessels, or blood clots, especially
for people already living with coronary artery disease.
Simple steps to stay heart-healthy this winter
Keep an eye on your health: If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or irregular heartbeats,
make it a habit to check your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels more often in winter. Early
detection of changes can make a big difference.
Extra care for high-risk individuals: People with poorly managed blood pressure might need closer
monitoring, and sometimes night-time oxygen therapy—especially if living in higher altitudes where the
air is thinner.
Exercise smartly: Cold weather puts extra pressure on the heart during physical activities. So, avoid
any sudden, intense workouts outdoors. Always take a few minutes to warm up before exercising to
ease your heart into activity.
Talk to your doctor first: Before trying out winter sports or any heavy physical activities, check in with
your doctor if you have a heart condition. It’s better to be safe!
Be cautious at high altitudes: If you’re heading to the mountains, take it slow and stay well-hydrated.
Sometimes, medications like acetazolamide can help reduce the risks related to high altitudes—ask
your doctor if it’s right for you.
Prevent blood clots: Cold weather can make the blood thicker and more likely to clot, which is risky for
people with artery problems. Reviewing your blood-thinning medications with your doctor is a good
idea during the winter.
Dress Warmly: Don’t underestimate the cold! Bundle up in layers to stay warm and avoid putting extra
stress on your heart.
Limit cold exposure: Try to stay indoors when it’s freezing outside. Also, avoid sudden changes in
temperature, like stepping out from a warm room into icy air—these sudden shifts can be tough on
your heart.
By following these simple yet effective tips, people with heart conditions can enjoy the winter season
more safely and lower the risk of serious heart problems. Taking care of your heart is all about staying
warm, being cautious, and making smart choices!
Dr. M Sudhakar Rao, Consultant — Cardiology, Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road
