If you are planning for your winter vacation trip, please do remember to include a few more pieces of clothing in your things-to-bring list. Dressing appropriately and adequately should be your most important consideration when going on a holiday.
Harsh temperatures and climates can be deadly, especially to your heart.
1. In cold climates, your blood vessels constrict in order preserve heat in your body. This causes your heart to work harder so as to squeeze blood through the narrow vessels, leading to an increase in blood pressure. Although typically the increase in blood pressure is published to be between 12 to 18mm Hg, which is not a significant increase for a healthy person, it may be a deciding factor for someone who is already suffering from high blood pressure.
2. Symptoms of angina could also develop as a result of lack of oxygen supply. As the narrow vessels restrict the blood supply, the amount of oxygen transported may be inadequate. Angina is defined as an uncomfortable feeling or pain in the chest.
3. Blood composition may also change due to low temperatures. The amount of particles in the blood, such as platelets, red blood cells, fibrinogen and cholesterol increases in cold temperatures and make the blood become thicker. This decrease in blood viscosity increases the risk of blood clotting and may lead to blocked vessels in the heart, brain or lungs.
While there is no doubt that avoiding the cold is the best form of prevention, it is not always the most practical option. Life still has to go on and work still has to be done during cold weather. Just remember to don a thick sweater and jersey when heading out during winter.
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