February 1, 2019

How Cold Weather Can Spell Trouble for Your Heart and Lungs

Take the proper precautions to protect yourself

A person dressed for the cold weather in hat, scarf over face, gloves and coat

We know to guard our skin against frostbite by covering up when we go outside in sub-freezing temperatures.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

But extreme cold also can impact vital organs, such as the heart and lungs. For example, cold can make your heart beat faster, which makes your blood pressure go up, says interventional cardiologist Leslie Cho, MD.

“It’s really how the body reacts to the cold,” Dr. Cho says. “The body’s first reaction is to try to keep warm. So blood vessels constrict to keep in the heat. The heart also beats faster, which can increase blood pressure. All of that can have an impact on the heart.”

Hypothermia and the heart

A severe wind chill only makes things harder on your heart because the wind can steal even more body heat, which could lead to hypothermia, Dr. Cho says.

Hypothermia is when your body’s core temperature falls to lower than 95 degrees. It occurs when your body can’t produce enough energy to keep the internal body temperature warm enough. Symptoms include lack of coordination, mental confusion, slowed reactions, shivering and sleepiness.

For people with underlying heart disease, the extra work your body has to do to stay warm could cause chest pain and possibly even a heart attack, Dr. Cho says.

Advertisement

If this is you, be sure to discuss exercise guidelines with your physician, especially strenuous activity, she adds.

But even experienced winter sports enthusiasts who don’t take certain precautions can suffer accidental hypothermia. Heart failure is the cause of most hypothermia-related deaths, according to the American Heart Association.

Your heart is under even greater stress when you combine cold weather with a vigorous activity like shoveling snow or walking through heavy, wet snow or snow drifts. Take frequent rest breaks during shoveling so you don’t overstress your heart.

You should treat this type of strenuous work as you would vigorous exercise.

So it’s important to stay well hydrated by drinking fluids and to dress warmly, she says.

Cold air and your lungs

Cold air also can impact your breathing – especially if you have a lung disease like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Advertisement

For people with COPD, cold air can trigger spasms in the lung, creating symptoms similar to an asthma attack, says pulmonologist Rachel Taliercio, DO.

“You might be more breathless, or feel out of breath, you might cough or start to wheeze. You also may feel a bit of tightness in the chest,” Dr. Taliercio says. “All of these can be signs that you should get indoors.”

Both doctors agree it’s important to dress warmly when the mercury drops and that layers are a good way to insulate your body. The layers trap warm air next to your body.

It’s also a good idea to wear a hat so heat doesn’t escape through your head. Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf so the air is warm before it enters your lungs.

Related Articles

elderly woman cold inside home
January 4, 2021
Hypothermia Can Happen Both Indoors and Outdoors

Know the risks, the signs and actions you should take

Notes taped to window of possible new year's resolutions with hand in foreground holding marker.
December 1, 2023
How To Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

Pick specific, measurable goals, but also be open to changing them if need be

person holding a thermometer with stress thought bubbles above head
December 1, 2023
Yes, There Is Such a Thing as Stress Sickness

From nausea, weight gain and eczema, stress can affect your immune system in many ways

bowl of soy-based cubes with hand
November 30, 2023
Can Soy Cause Breast Cancer?

Research consistently shows that soy-based foods do not increase cancer risk

person scratching neck that has eczema
November 29, 2023
How Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care Can Improve Your Atopic Dermatitis

Changing your wardrobe or environment won’t eliminate eczema, but it can help reduce flares

person stressing, with clock and books
November 29, 2023
6 Ways To Feel Less Anxious in the Mornings

Breathwork, sleep mediatation and avoiding screens can help fight back morning anxiety

covid toe
November 28, 2023
Are COVID Toes and Rashes Common Symptoms of the Coronavirus?

Chilblain-like skin lesions and rashes probably aren’t COVID related

magnesium pills out of container spelling out MG
November 28, 2023
Magnesium for Anxiety: Does It Help?

This supplement may help with regulating cortisol levels, which may help with stress

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad