Cold and Health: Beware of biting cold

A fall in temperature has led to an increase in the case of heart attacks, strokes and health issues associated with high blood pressure. In cold weather, low-temperature causes narrowing of blood vessels, which can be fatal for diabetics, heart and kidney patients and those suffering from hypertension. They need to undergo a routine check-up, regular monitoring of blood pressure and avoid sudden exposure to cold.

In cold weather or low-temperature place physiological stresses on the body, so the more healthy and fit we are, the more easily our body can cope with these stresses.

One of the best ways to stay warm in a cold climate is by the use of some exercise and healthy food. As people get older, they can become less perceptive of cold temperature, another reason the elderly are more prone to becoming hypothermic, they just don’t notice their falling body temperature.

So, when we get old our body reduces the circulation to the extremities and skin surface, a process called peripheral vasoconstriction, so concentrating a greater volume of blood in the body. This increases arterial blood pressure. The body’s response is to try to reduce this pressure, the kidneys reduce the volume of circulating blood by removing water to the bladder to be lost as urine. This process is known as”cold diuresis”.

Cold weather diminishes the immune system. Cold air is a particular trigger of an asthma attack, the only way to avoid this are to avoid the cold air by staying indoors or wearing warm clothes.

A colder temperature means we burn more calories to stay warm.

Feeling cold all the time is a common symptom of several medical conditions such as:

1) Anemia

2) Hypothyroidism

3) Raynaud’s disease

4) Diabetes

5) Anorexia

6) Heart attack

A constant feeling of cold can be a sign of a more serious medical condition. So, people at risk should keep warm at all times, in the home, outside or in the workplace.

Early morning is the most hazardous time due to natural daily rhythm, so prepare for the winter commute.

During winter, the blood pressure of even a normal person rises and to high BP patients are extra vulnerable during cold waves.

People with coronary heart disease during low temperature suffer from a situation called peripheral vascular resistance due to spasm in blood vessels, which increases the load on their heart.

In cold conditions, the blood pressure of people suffering from high BP may shoot up suddenly leading to a haemorrhage or nose bleeding.

People with high BP should not remain in the sun for long as after prolonged exposure to heat if they get exposed to low temperature, their BP may shoot up. They should also restrict salt intake as cold plus salt may cause disaster for high BP patients.

If the blood pressure rises to very high levels, one may experience a headache, dizziness and shortness of breath, which may lead to a heart attack and stroke. The elderly are at high risk.

Precautions

1) Check BP regularly