While many people are aware the cooler weather can impact respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis, most are unaware that winter can also impact heart health.
In fact, the risk of heart attack can increase in the colder weather. As it is, heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia, claiming more than 19,000 lives or 12 per cent of all deaths in 2016. Each day, 52 people die as a result of heart disease, while more than 400,000 Australians have suffered a heart attack at some point in their life. So what makes the cold weather so damaging for heart health?
“In the colder weather, our risk of having a heart attack increases. This is due mainly to the colder weather making our blood slightly more viscous,” Steven Eddey, nutritionist and naturopath told Starts at 60. “Also, infections are more prevalent during the colder months.”
This thicker blood can increase the risk of a heart attack – particularly for people who are already at risk or close to having heart disease already. People who are fitter or live healthier lives aren’t at as much risk because the thicker blood in the system isn’t as big of a problem for them.
The cooler months also increase the risk of heart attack because viruses and flus are more common at this time of year. Research published earlier this year in the New England Journal of Medicine found the risk of heart attack increases six-fold during the first seven days after an influenza infection, reinforcing the importance of vaccinating at this time of year.
“The cold weather tends to increase the risks of getting an infection and the inflammation and stress from the infection can also increase heart attack risk,” Eddey says.
Experiencing chest pain that gets worse is a sign of heart disease or a symptom that a person is at increased risk of developing the disease. If these symptoms get worse during the colder temperatures, it’s important to talk to a GP or health professional so preventive measures can be put in place.
Unfortunately for Baby Boomers, being over the age of 60 is already associated with a risk of heart disease, while being overweight or other health conditions including dyslipidaemia and high blood pressure can also increase the possibility of heart conditions. Thankfully, small lifestyle and diet choices can reduce these risks.
“Lose the weight, if you have an excess amount,” Eddey recommends. “Use the cooler months to enjoy some exercise and even get fit. Eat plenty of cold water fish, nuts, seeds and vegetables and avoid grains and trans fats.”
It’s also important to focus on yourself and your health all year around, but particularly in the cooler months.
“Make this time count for you. See your doctor about getting checked out to see if you are at an increased risk of heart disease and talk to him/her about a suitable winter exercise program,” Eddey says. “See a naturopath about getting your diet spot on. This is the time to get fit and healthy.”
If you think you or someone you love is suffering a heart attack, always contact triple-zero immediately.