heartfacts

Latest research has suggested that cold winter air, specifically the presence of snow can increase the risk of having a heart attack.  More than 50% of cardiac deaths occur during December and January when the temperature drops below freezing. It is thought the cold air causes the blood vessels to shrink, meaning there is less space for air to reach the heart. This is okay if you are resting but if you decide to exercise your heart needs more oxygen and this causes problems due to reduced blood vessel diameter. Unfortunately the end result can be a heart attack. So before you decide to brush up that snow make sure you wrap up well with a heavy coat and scarf and breath through the nose and not mouth to reduce the amount of cold air entering the lungs.  It has also been advised that you wear three layers of clothing and avoid exertion whilst outdoors of possible.