CHARLESTON, W.Va. — American Heart Association Marketing Communications Director Kevin Pauley says it’s important to be mindful about how much time you’re exposed to the cold as your body and health can take a toll.
Health experts say extreme cold “or even prolonged exposure to normal winter temperatures” can have an effect on the heart, the brain and other vital organs.
Pauley said that’s why it’s crucial to layer up and get really warm before heading out.
Kevin Pauley
He said you should shield your skin from the least amount of exposure to the cold air as possible.
“You think about how things kind of like close themselves in or shrink up a little bit when getting into cold weather, your blood vessels do the exact same thing,” Pauley said. “Every blood vessel in your body constricts when you get out into cold weather like this, which means your heart is having to work harder to pump that blood through your body.”
He said the single digit temperatures that’s expected to come in to the area this week can really take a toll on us physically. Pauley said this can particularly be true for older adults or those who have underlying cardiovascular conditions, so it will be extra important for them to bundle up.
According to health experts, when exposed to the cold, the body can lose heat faster than it’s produced. They say long-term exposure can be extremely detrimental, often leading to hypothermia, frostbite among other issues.
Pauley said the American Heart Association also wants to remind people to remain very health conscious when out snow shoveling or doing other physical labor in the cold air.
He said the numbers of heart attacks tend to go up in colder weather as it causes blood to thicken and become more prone to clotting.
Pauley said a big part of this amplified risk of heart attack in cold weather is based on exertion of the heart, and people who have had cardiovascular issues already should really be aware of this.
“One of the things we remind people, if you have any pre-existing conditions, if you are a heart attack survivor, if you have high blood pressure, if you’re taking medication, make sure to take your medication and make sure to keep those things in mind, and just know your limits,” he said.
Pauley said to make sure to take plenty of breaks when out shoveling, go inside, warm up and regulate your body a little before going back out.
He said to also take the snow in smaller pieces and don’t try and shovel it all at once.
“You will actually be surprised, it will move a lot quicker because you’re not wearing yourself out as quickly and you won’t be admitting that extra exertion on your heart trying to, you know, take a gigantic pile of snow over your shoulder versus a smaller piece of snow just getting it out of the way,” Pauley said.
However, Pauley said it’s important to not only be aware of your limitations, but also the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.
He said when it comes to a heart attack, it presents differently in men and women.
Pauley said most men note the feeling of crushing pressure on the chest, or pain in the arm, back, and jaw. He said, while some women experience the chest pain, many say their pain comes in the form of indigestion, back pain, or nausea and didn’t necessarily feel like it was a heart problem.
Pauley said everyone can experience these signs and symptoms in various different ways.
“The key thing is you know your body better than anybody else,” he said. “So, if something feels off, call your doctor, if you feel really off call 911, you know, don’t take the chance with your health.”
Pauley said they also want to remind people that if you’re drinking alcohol, avoid doing it before going out to shovel snow and directly after because, as your body tries to regulate its temperature, alcohol makes it think its warmer than it actually is.
He said overall, the cold weather has numerous ways it can impact you.
“Of course the skin itself, hypothermia is a real thing and it’s something to be very cautious of, and again, you know, with your heart, it’s just working extra hard, your muscles are working harder, everything is working harder because this temperature is not natural for your body, so just be very, very aware of that.”