AN amber weather alert has been issued in the UK, meaning a rise in deaths is likely – particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) weather warning has been issued for a week due to freezing temperatures.
Snow, ice, and temperatures of -8C have been forecast in some parts of the UK. Last night the mercury sank as low as minus 8C in rural Scotland and northern England.
Cold weather can present many health risks – the cold air can trigger asthma attacks, which constrict the airways to the lungs, and it can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight respiratory infections like the flu.
Freezing temperatures can also lead to blood flow changes, high blood pressure, and extra strain on the heart, significantly affecting heart attack risk.
Dr Mohammed Najjar, Medical Director, Jorja Healthcare, explained: “When temperatures drop, blood vessels constrict, raising blood pressure, which strains the heart and might trigger an attack, particularly in those with existing heart issues.
“The body burns more energy to stay warm, adding stress on the heart—a notable pattern we observe in the chilly winter months.”
People with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol are especially at risk, warned Dr Najjar.
But smokers and older adults should also be extra cautious.
And physical exertion, like shovelling snow, can strain the heart even more.
Dr Najjar added: “Picture someone shovelling snow, exerting themselves unknowingly—the heart strain could become dangerous.”
Because of this, it’s essential to recognise the warning signs of a heart attack.
Spotting symptoms of a heart attack is crucial because early recognition and immediate medical attention can significantly increase the chances of survival and minimise damage to the heart muscle.
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot.
This prevents the heart muscle from getting enough oxygen, which can cause serious damage and even death.
The longer a blockage remains untreated, the more damage occurs -prompt action can save lives.
Dr Najjar advised symptoms not to ignore:
Taking precautions during cold weather to protect your heart is also vital, stressed Dr Najjar.
He said: “Dress warmly, especially covering extremities.
“Opt for quality thermal gear.
“If exerting yourself outdoors, take it slow to let your heart adjust.
“For smokers, cold weather might encourage reconsidering smoking habits.
“Regular health check-ups are crucial—knowing health metrics empowers individuals.
“These measures make winter less formidable. Stay warm, stay vigilant, and enjoy winter’s beauty with health in mind.”
According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), a significant portion of excess winter deaths in the UK are attributed to heart attacks caused by cold weather, with estimates suggesting that around two in five winter excess deaths are related to heart attacks triggered by cold snaps.
A BHF-funded study looked at risk factors for heart disease – the leading cause of heart attacks – in people over the age of 60, relative to the daily average temperature where they lived (in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands).
They found on average, the lower the temperature, the higher their cholesterol and blood pressure (which can increase your risk of heart and circulatory diseases) and the lower their vitamin D levels.
These changes aren’t always directly caused by the cold, but they can reflect how people’s behaviour changes when the weather is colder.
The same researchers also found the risk of dying of heart disease in a cold weather was higher in people who drank more than one alcoholic drink a week, or had ever smoked.
So this suggests that having healthy habits throughout the year isn’t just good for long-term heart health – it can help lower the risk cold weather can pose to your heart, too.
You can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke with many of the same methods.
Heart attacks and strokes, althouh affecting different organs of the body, are both what we call cardiovascular events.
Both arise from similar underlying conditions, such as atherosclerosis —a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.
According to the American Heart Association, the risk factors for heart attacks and strokes are largely the same: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and diabetes.
Therefore, addressing these risk factors can simultaneously reduce the risk of both conditions.
Here are ways you can prevent the two:
Healthy diet
Exercise
Walking, running, cycling, swimming – whatever you like, do it!
Aerobic exercise can strengthen the heart and improve circulation.
The NHS advises at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week.
Strength training exercises can help control weight, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure. It is recommended twice a week by the NHS.
Manage blood pressure
Healthy diet and exercise can help keep your blood pressure in check.
But it is worth monitoring it yourself after the age of 40, at least, when the NHS invites adults for a check-up every five years.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Quit smoking
One of the best ways to quit smoking is to use resources provided by NHS Smokefree. Support groups, medications, and other tools to help quit smoking such as vapes could be what you need to kick the habit for good – and it’s free.
Limit booze
Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and contribute to weight gain, which can snowball and become a heart health risk.
The NHS recommends not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week.
