American Heart Association Issues Cold Weather Heart Health Guidelines

The American Heart Association has issued critical guidance for maintaining heart health during cold weather, highlighting the unique dangers winter conditions pose to cardiovascular systems. Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to contract and coronary arteries to constrict, which can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiac arrest. Strenuous activities in cold weather add additional stressors to the heart, which must work harder to maintain healthy body temperature. Hypothermia presents another serious threat, occurring when the body cannot produce enough energy to maintain internal warmth, with symptoms including lack of coordination, mental confusion, slowed reactions, shivering, and sleepiness.

People with existing heart conditions face particular vulnerability, often experiencing angina pectoris (chest pain or discomfort) in cold weather. The association also cautions about cold and flu medications, advising those with high blood pressure to consult health care professionals before taking any over-the-counter medications, supplements, or substances. Protective measures begin with proper clothing: layering traps air between garments to create insulation, while hats prevent heat loss through the head, and covering extremities prevents rapid heat loss from hands and feet.

Physical exertion requires special consideration during winter conditions. Walking through heavy snow or climbing hills demands extra energy already being used to stay warm, so individuals should proceed slowly, take breaks, and avoid overexertion. Snow shoveling presents particular dangers, with recommendations to push or sweep snow rather than lift and throw it, start gradually, pace oneself, and stop immediately if something doesn't feel right. Hydration remains crucial despite reduced thirst sensation in cold weather, and individuals should monitor calorie intake from seasonal drinks like pumpkin spiced lattes and hot chocolate that often contain excessive sugar and fat.

Alcohol consumption requires special caution as it may increase warmth sensation while masking the body's strain in cold conditions. The association emphasizes checking on elderly loved ones who may have diminished temperature sensitivity and lower subcutaneous fat, putting them at risk for hypothermia without awareness. Recognizing heart attack warning signs and acting quickly by calling 911 can save lives, with the reminder that minutes matter during cardiac events. Given that EMS response times often slow during bad weather, learning Hands-Only CPR becomes particularly valuable, as it can double or triple survival chances for the more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occurring outside hospitals annually. More information about cold weather and cardiovascular disease is available at https://heart.org, with additional resources including Cold Weather and Cardiovascular Disease and How to Stay Active in Cold Weather health information.