As temperatures begin to fall, it’s important to bundle up with warm clothing, including coats, hats, and gloves, while also being cautious about prolonged exposure to the cold. This is particularly vital for older adults and those with existing cardiovascular issues, as medical professionals note that cold weather can adversely impact the heart, brain, and other critical bodily systems. Dr. Haitham Khraishah, a preventive cardiologist, emphasizes that every system in the body can be affected by cold conditions.
The body can lose heat more quickly than it can produce it when exposed to low temperatures. This loss of heat, if prolonged, can deplete the body’s energy reserves and lead to a drop in core temperature. Sustained exposure to cold, especially when temperatures fall below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, can result in serious conditions like hypothermia and frostbite. Dr. Khraishah explains that there are various avenues through which the body loses heat. Approximately 60% of heat dissipation occurs via radiation, which allows heat to escape into the surrounding air. Additional mechanisms include conduction and convection, such as when touching cold surfaces or being exposed to chilling winds. Furthermore, heat can be lost through evaporation during physical exertion in the cold, as well as via breathing cold air.
When the temperature drops, the body responds by constricting blood vessels to minimize heat loss, which directs more blood toward vital organs. However, Dr. Khraishah notes that this can result in elevated blood pressure, increasing the risk for heart-related incidents like heart attacks or strokes, particularly for those already at higher risk. Additionally, extreme cold can cause blood to thicken, further heightening the likelihood of clotting, which presents another risk factor for cardiovascular events. Recent studies have connected extreme temperature fluctuations to increased mortality from strokes and other heart conditions, with hospitalizations for heart attacks also spiking during colder spells.
For individuals suffering from asthma, chronic lung diseases, or other respiratory illnesses, cold air can be especially irritating. Dr. Khraishah points out that cold, dry air can inflame the airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath, especially during physical exertion. The combination of being indoors in crowded places during cold months can further increase susceptibility to illness, as viruses thrive in colder conditions, and the body’s immune response is dulled.
As the body struggles against the cold, blood vessel constriction can also impact cognitive functioning. Dr. E. John Wipfler III shares that cognitive deficits can occur when body temperature drops significantly. Hypothermia, characterized by a core temperature falling below 95 degrees, can emerge not only in extreme cold but also when wet conditions contribute to chilling. Symptoms include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and extreme fatigue. Immediate medical attention is crucial, and if assistance is unavailable, efforts should be made to warm the individual effectively without causing additional damage.
Frostbite is another potential risk with extended exposure to cold, primarily affecting individuals with poor circulation. Symptoms of frostbite include numbness and changes in skin color. In such cases, it is essential to seek warmth and avoid any action that could exacerbate the condition, like rubbing the area or applying direct heat.
Certain demographics, including older adults and young children, are more vulnerable to cold exposure. Older individuals might suffer from chronic health issues, cognitive challenges, or reduced muscle mass that hinder their ability to generate heat. Meanwhile, infants and young children can lack the awareness to adequately communicate their discomfort or take steps to warm themselves.
To guard against cold-related health risks, dressing appropriately is crucial. Wipfler advocates for comprehensive clothing choices that leave no skin exposed and stressing the importance of wearing hats, gloves, and neck wraps. While staying active can produce warmth, excessive exertion could lead to sweating, resulting in heat loss, so balance is key. Simple remedies, such as warm drinks, can aid in staying warm, though alcohol should be avoided as it can mislead the body’s temperature regulation.
If caught in cold weather unprepared, finding shelter and generating body heat through physical activity are vital strategies. Shivering is a natural response driven by the brain to help the body retain warmth, which can be encouraged by consciously tightening muscles. Body adaptation to colder temperatures also varies; an individual’s experience with acclimating to cold weather may affect their response to low temperatures. Thus, it’s pivotal to understand individual thresholds for cold exposure, rather than relying solely on temperature readings.
