While constant, biting cold weather in the winter months is not typically common in Central Texas, we do get a few snaps of extreme temperatures that send the mercury diving down.

Sudden extreme turns in the weather can take a toll on your health, especially your cardiovascular health. Colder weather can cause blood vessels to contract and the circulatory system to work harder, potentially raising blood pressure.

In addition, research shows that the number of fatal heart attacks often spikes during the winter months.

At CTVS, our team of cardiothoracic and vascular specialists is dedicated to promoting heart health year-round, but here are some tips they share for protecting yourself specifically during the colder winter months:

Five Tips for Heart Health during the Winter

  1. Bundle up. If spending time outside here, or traveling somewhere cooler, keep your chest (and feet and head) sufficiently covered up.
  2. Take breaks from the cold when outside for long periods of time. Also, give your body time to gradually warm up to indoor temps by slowly shedding layers, as a dramatic shift in temps from cold to hot can be a shock to your circulatory system.
  3. Fend off serious colds and respiratory infections. Germs from winter illnesses can damage your heart, so protect yourself with frequent handwashing and sanitizing and adding immunity-boosting foods to your diet, especially if you’re attending several holiday social gatherings or traveling.
  4. Avoid overindulging in too many rich holiday foods and alcohol. These can elevate blood pressure and cholesterol and take a serious toll on your ticker.
  5. Take prescribed medications as directed. Be especially vigilant with those that manage blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, and set reminders as needed if away from home or veering off your regular daily schedule.

Finally, remember to take stock of your mental health at this time of year to lower stress on your heart. Find time for yourself to relax, rejuvenate, and do something you enjoy that is separate and apart from all the hustle and bustle of holiday activities.

Be sure to recognize the warning signs of a heart attack, including:

  • Sudden and severe chest pain
  • Dizziness or shortness of breath
  • Cold sweats
  • Sudden heartburn, unrelated to food intake
  • Tingling or numbness in your back, neck, shoulders or arms

Call 911 and seek help immediately if you suspect a heart attack in you or someone you are with.

CTVS wishes all our patients, families and friends a very happy and heart healthy holiday season!

For questions about our vascular, cardiac, or thoracic services, please visit ctvstexas.com or call us at (512) 459-8753 to schedule an appointment.

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