PrintStraight from the Expert
Heart Month - Dr. Eric Horlick
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Dr. Eric Horlick, Interventional Cardiologist, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre |
In the midst of a particularly chilly winter, UHNews met with Dr. EricHorlick, Interventional Cardiologist in the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, to learn about how cold weather can impact your heart, and what you can do to protect it.
Why is it that cold weather that can cause heart problems?
Cold weather has a two-pronged effect on the cardiovascular system: Arteries supplying the working muscles in the arms and legs constrict or clamp down in an effort to salvage heat, and blood pressure increases. This causes the heart to work harder. At the same time, the arteries around the heart also constrict, inhibiting the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. The cold brings out symptoms more readily by causing the heart to work harder and depriving it of oxygen.
Do cardiologists see a spike in heart attacks during winter months?
Circulatory conditions, including heart disease and stroke, are the leading cause of hospitalization in Canada and often become worse around the holidays. Studies have shown an increase in heart attacks beginning at Thanksgiving and peaking after the New Year. Contrary to popular belief, this is unrelated to the cold temperatures because the trend occurs in both the northern and southern United States.
Are there any activities I should avoid in frigid temperatures?
Exercise in cold weather, like snow shoveling, may unmask symptoms in someone who is predisposed to cardiovascular disease, but ordinarily feels fine. Studies have shown that when stress tests (monitoring heart activity using an electrocardiogram while the patient walks at various speeds on a treadmill) are conducted in a cold environment, the onset of symptoms, specifically chest pain (angina) and breathlessness, is much earlier than if the same tests were administered in normal temperatures.
Do you have any tips for safe snow shoveling?
When shoveling snow this winter, keep these tips in mind:
·Don’t shovel after a big meal. Digestion diverts blood to the gut, if the muscles ask for oxygen simultaneously, the heart has to work extra hard and symptoms will occur earlier.
·Don’t shovel after smoking a cigarette. Nicotine increases the levels of carbon monoxide in the blood, which forces the heart to pump harder in order to deliver oxygen.
·Warm-up before shoveling to ensure your muscles are ready for exercise. Stretching is important.
·Don’t overdo it. If you feel overwhelmed or extremely cold, stop and go inside. The snow will still be there when you return.
