Heart health tips for when the mercury dips
Unfortunately, as the temperature falls, the risk of heart problems heats up. Even if you live far from the nearest iceberg, cold weather can pose problems. Studies have linked low temperatures to an increased risk of stroke, heart-related chest pain, heart rhythm problems and deaths from heart failure and cardiac arrest.
(Photo via SHUTTERSTOCK)
Winter is the right time of year for all kinds of cool activities — skiing, skating and ice fishing, just to name a few.
Unfortunately, as the temperature falls, the risk of heart problems heats up. Even if you live far from the nearest iceberg, cold weather can pose problems. Studies have linked low temperatures to an increased risk of stroke, heart-related chest pain, heart rhythm problems and deaths from heart failure and cardiac arrest.
Cardiologist Dr. Sherrie Khadanga said an increased risk of heart attack is a top concern in cold weather. "Usually that ends up due to a patient overexerting themselves doing strenuous physical activity, such as shoveling or walking through heavy snow," said Khadanga, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Vermont's Larner College of Medicine in Burlington.
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