Increased risk of stroke in cold weather

In winter, the risk of strokes and heart attacks increases

21/01/2013

Cold winters are a risk for cardiovascular patients. The cold weather caused a significant increase in the risk of heart attacks and strokes, reported the chairman of the Federal Association of established cardiologists (BNK) to the news agency „dpa“.

At low temperatures, according to the BNK experts, blood pressure automatically increases as the blood vessels contract to regulate temperature. People with high blood pressure or known cardiovascular diseases are therefore kept in the winter with special care, said the chairman of the Association of established cardiologist, Norbert Smetak. Overall, the cold weather leads to a significantly increased risk of complications, such as a heart attack, stroke or circulatory disturbances of the heart. According to the BNK, about 20 to 50 times as many people die in the winter as in summer from cardiovascular complaints.

Climate responsible for the increased risk of cardiovascular disease?
Whether the low temperatures in winter are responsible for the increased risk of cardiovascular deaths, is among the experts quite controversial. At the annual meeting of the „American Heart Association“ In November 2012, US scientists presented a study that concluded that it is not low temperature but other factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular deaths during the winter months. Because in all climates, an increase of such deaths can be observed during the winter months. Although cold continues to be a risk factor in cardiac patients, other factors, such as lower physical activity and a healthier diet, appear to play a role in the increase in cardiovascular deaths in the winter months, US scientists said.

Cardiovascular patients should be extra cautious in winter
Regardless of other risk factors, cold weather leads to an increase in blood pressure, according to the Federal Association of Cardiologists, which poses a considerable risk, especially for people with pre-existing conditions. Regular checks of blood pressure are therefore urgently recommended in high-risk patients. Basic diseases such as coronary heart disease or hardening of the arteries should be observed with particular attention in the cold months. At the latest at the onset of symptoms such as heart pain, chest pain, a stinging in the chest, heart stuttering or palpitations urgently consult a doctor.

Sport and healthy food for prevention
In order to protect yourself from cardiovascular problems during the winter months, healthy nutrition and moderate physical activity should be considered throughout the year. This could also help against the increased blood pressure in winter, explained Norbert Smetak. However, patients with pre-existing conditions may also require increased medications. The dose of antihypertensive drugs may need to be increased or another drug prescribed, the expert explained. (Fp)

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Picture: Gerd Altmann