Winter raises heart attack risk due to physiological changes and blood vessel constriction. Stay active, eat heart-healthy, sleep, stay warm, and quit smoking to reduce this.
Though attractive, winter can put your heart at risk. Winter physiological changes stress the heart. As arteries constrict, blood pressure increases and heart works harder. But don’t let the season dull your feelings. Here are 5 winter heart attack prevention tips.
1) Exercise indoors:
Hibernation is unnecessary because the sun sets early. Even in winter, heart health requires activity. Stay active indoors by dancing to your favorite music, taking the stairs instead of the lift, or taking a virtual fitness class. Short daily activity bursts can help. If weather permits, walk briskly in the sun.
2) Hydrate and eat well:
Winter comfort foods include saturated fats and added sweets. But these are heart-health foes. Eat fruits, vegetables, complete grains, and lean protein for heart health. Remember good fats! Winter hearts benefit from fish, almonds, and avocados. Hot chocolate tempts, but drink water all day. Fill your mug with water to avoid blood clots and dehydration.
3) Stress and sleep management:
Avoid winter sleep disturbances by getting 7-8 hours of excellent sleep each night. Sleep decreases blood pressure and stress chemicals, improving heart health. Reduce stress using yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to prevent heart attacks.
4) Stay warm and listen to your body:
Cover up to avoid sudden cold. Remember that shoveling snow is hard in cold weather. Rest and don’t overdo. Stop if you feel dizzy, short of breath, or chest pain.
5) Quit smoking:
One of the best methods to prevent heart attacks is to quit smoking. Smoking damages blood arteries, elevates blood pressure, and affects the heart. Ask for medical or smoking cessation help.
Conclusion
Winter might worsen heart health due to physiological changes and blood vessel constriction. Stay active, eat well, stay hydrated, sleep, stay warm, and quit smoking to minimize heart attack risk. Dancing, stair climbing, and virtual fitness classes are indoor exercises. Drink plenty of water and eat fruits, vegetables, nutritious grains, and lean protein for heart health. Control blood pressure and stress hormones by sleeping 7-8 hours. Keep warm, rest, and avoid overexertion. To prevent heart attacks and improve cardiovascular health, quit smoking.
