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Protecting Your Heart in Winter Weather: Expert Advice from Jefferson Cardiology
“Cold winter weather affects the heart in several important ways,” Dr. Bramowitz explains. “It places extra demands on the heart; it can raise the blood pressure and the heart rate; and it can cause the blood to clot more quickly. Anyone with a history of heart disease needs to be aware that there is always the potential for new problems. If you have heart disease but it is stable and you don’t have symptoms, you can be active in winter, but be careful.” Some specific measures recommended by Dr. Bramowitz are:
Dr. Bramowitz says that sometimes, older heart patients want to engage in the same winter activities they enjoyed at a younger age, such as hunting. “Be realistic about your limits,” he warns. “If you are a heart patient and you want to go hunting, do not go alone. Don’t climb hills and don’t attempt to drag a heavy animal by yourself. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals and make sure you have a cell phone with you.” Snow shoveling demands extra precautions. “Persons who have had cardiac procedures and have ongoing symptoms, and those with angina, weak heart muscle and heart failure, need to restrict themselves: they shouldn’t do any snow shoveling and they should limit their exposure to extreme cold and winds. If your heart disease is stable and you’re free of symptoms, and the amount of snow is small (meaning an inch), it’s probably fine to push the snow, without lifting heavy snow,” says Dr. Bramowitz. “Don’t eat a big meal before shoveling; that will divert blood flow to your gastrointestinal system, away from your heart and muscles. Pace yourself. Take breaks and listen to your body.” The darkness and social isolation of a long winter can take an emotional toll, leading to loneliness and depression, and that can impact heart health. Dr. Bramowitz recommends opening your curtains to bring in the sunlight and keeping in touch with family and friends. “If you are feeling overwhelmed by negative feelings, reach out to others for help. Have someone you can call. Try to take good care of yourself: take your medications, eat well and get plenty of rest.” In western Pennsylvania, winters are long, but they do come to an end. Taking care of your heart through the winter will help you be prepared to enjoy the wonders of spring and summer when they finally arrive! Jefferson Cardiology Association is a community-based medical practice that offers individualized, high quality care of the heart and blood vessels, including prevention, state of the art diagnostics and advanced treatment, including medications and recommendations for lifestyle changes to support and improve heart health. There are four locations, in Jefferson Hills, Belle Vernon, Jeanette and Uniontown. To contact Jefferson Cardiology, call (412) 469-1500 or visit the web site, www.jeffersoncardiology.com. ![]() |
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