CLEVELAND — Bitter cold temperatures are expected across Ohio this week, with some areas seeing the coldest wind chills we've experienced in a year. As the changes arrive, cardiologists are warning people to consider moving outdoor activities inside because the cold conditions may affect heart health.
What You Need To Know
- Cold weather can cause your heart rate and blood pressure to elevate
- In healthy individuals, cold weather shouldn’t elicit any cardiovascular detriment. However, in those with coronary artery disease or other cardiovascular abnormalities or diseases, the cold can pose an unnecessary stress on the heart
- Risks include frostbite and hypothermia, but in individuals with cardiovascular disease, additional risks included an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes
- Cardiologists see an increase in heart attacks during the winter
- Cold weather can have a positive effect on Seasonal Affective Disorder and give you an endorphin boost for the day
Dr. Tamanna Singh is the Co-Director of the Sports Cardiology Center at the Cleveland Clinic.
She said if someone works out outside, plays an outdoor sport like hockey, or even finds them shoveling snow in the cold, their heart has to work harder.
“When I say the heart has to work harder, what it basically means is your heart rate is elevated,” Dr. Singh said. “Your blood pressure is also elevated. So, in healthy individuals, these are normal responses that really shouldn’t elicit any cardiovascular detriment. But, in people who have Coronary Artery Disease or other cardiovascular abnormalities or diseases, these can actually pose an unnecessary stress on the heart".
The risks, for nearly everyone, include frostbite and hypothermia at super-low temperatures.
“In individuals with cardiovascular disease, the main risks are an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes as well,” Dr. Singh said.
She said drawing the line is up to the individual, but they should factor in the wind chill.
Adrian McGee is an avid runner in Columbus.
"When I kicked off my weight loss journey, I knew running was one of those things that would help you burn more calories,” McGee said.
He said running has been a great to, "Escape from the craziness of the world or just how busy work can be.”
McGee usually runs outside, but during the winter he works out at 11athletics in Columbus.
"Snow is usually a sign that you should probably go inside and probably when it gets below like 45 degrees,” McGee said. “That's probably when it’s like a little too cold outside”.
Dr. Singh said for health individuals like Adrian McGee, outdoor workouts or activities in the cold can actually be good for their mood.
"It can be great for seasonal affective disorder and lift our energy, lift our spirits, and really give us a nice endorphin boost for the day,” Dr. Singh said. “So, I think cold weather exercise is incredible, just be cognizant of what you need to do to protect your body and protect your heart.”