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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nOne of the main reasons for this is our blood vessels constrict in the cold\nweather. This happens because our bodies work hard to protect vital organs such\nas our brain and lungs from extreme conditions by preserving blood flow. As a\nresult, our heart has to beat harder and faster to supply the rest of the body\nwith the oxygen it needs. As your heart\nrate and blood pressure increase, you raise your risk of blood clots, stroke,\nand heart attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another factor for increasing our\nrisk of developing cardiovascular disease in the winter is our diet. Both the\nquality and quantity of food we consume can have a significant role in our heart\nhealth during any time of the year, but it is especially important during cold\nweather months because to digest a heavy meal requires increased blood flow to\nthe stomach, which, for previously stated reasons, can be difficult due to\nblood vessel constriction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to cold weather, the\nwinter also brings with it an increased risk of contracting the influenza (flu)\nvirus. Flu season typically is most prevalent\nduring the winter months and fighting it (as well as other viruses) can place\nan increased amount of stress on the heart and can drain the body of its\nenergy. For those with an already weakened\nheart, such as the elderly or those with a weakened immune system, this can be\nvery dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Loneliness and depression have also\nbeen linked to an increased risk of heart attack by as much as 30%. The development and maintaining of social relationships\nis never more difficult than during the winter months due to a variety of factors.\nOne major factor is the weather. The frigid conditions limit the ability to\nattend social events. In addition, the days are shorter and darker in the\nwinter, which can also increase the likelihood of depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lastly, the winter weather can also\nlimit an individual\u2019s ability to properly maintain their health. This can include interfering with a person\u2019s\nability to exercise regularly as well as allowing them access to critical\nhealthcare resources, such as seeing their provider when they aren\u2019t feeling\nwell or refilling their medications. Failure to do so can have harmful effects\non someone\u2019s heart health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recognizing the increased heart health\nrisk factors in the winter and taking steps to address them are vital to\nstaying healthy in the winter. This includes making sure to avoid very cold\ntemperatures and dressing warm, eating a heart healthy diet, getting your flu\nshot, maintaining social relationships, and closely monitoring your health,\nincluding seeing your doctor regularly and adhering to your medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To make an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call our Ambulatory Care Center <\/a>at 718-670-5486.<\/p>\n All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When asked which season has the highest incidence of cardiovascular problems, most wouldn\u2019t guess the winter, but it is true, especially in cities like New York City, which are known for harsh weather conditions. One of the main reasons for … Continue reading