The temperature dropped significantly today. When it gets chilly, people with hypertension, pre-hypertension, or poor cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health need to be even more cautious. Why is that? According to data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, exposure to cold air activates our sympathetic nervous system, causing the blood vessels (peripheral arteries) to constrict and blood pressure to spike. Heart rate increases, putting more strain on the heart. Body temperature drops, causing platelets to become unstable and blood to become thicker, which promotes blood clot formation. Let's review again the relationship between temperature and vascular health.

 

These days with large temperature fluctuations... Hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia patients have decreased ability to control blood pressure.

 

Over the past 10 years, the number of deaths caused by cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases has been highest during periods of large daily temperature fluctuations and in the winter months when temperatures drop rapidly. Changes in temperature are a major factor increasing the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke (ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke). As the cold weather intensifies, deaths from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases also increase. Particularly, the elderly, individuals with a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases, and those with chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia have reduced blood pressure regulation ability and require special caution.

Blocked blood vessels damage the heart and brain... Hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking are the main causes.

 

Myocardial infarction, one of the causes of sudden death, is a terrifying disease where the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle, suddenly become blocked by a blood clot (thrombus), causing the heart muscle to die and leading to death. Stroke occurs when the blood vessels supplying the brain are blocked (ischemic stroke) or rupture (hemorrhagic stroke). It results in death or disabilities such as paralysis and speech problems due to brain damage. Major causes include hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking.

 

Be cautious when exercising on chilly early mornings... Check your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

 

When feeling cold, maintaining warmth is important. Wear warm clothing to keep your body temperature stable. Hypertensive patients and those with a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases should be cautious about exercising in the chilly early morning hours. Sudden exposure to cold air can cause blood vessels to constrict rapidly, which can be dangerous. Consider exercising indoors regularly. Drinking warm beverages helps maintain body temperature, and it is important to regularly check blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

 

Myocardial infarction and stroke symptoms and how to respond... "Family members should also be informed"

 

Cardiovascular diseases have a high mortality rate and can cause disabilities, making prevention and early response important. Symptoms of myocardial infarction include sudden severe chest pain, pressure, or a squeezing sensation. Pain or discomfort may also be felt in the jaw, neck, shoulders, or left arm. Shortness of breath, pallor, and cold sweat are also common symptoms.

Stroke causes sudden weakness in one side of the face, arm, or leg. Speech becomes slurred or understanding others becomes difficult. One eye may go blind, or only half of the visual field in both eyes may be visible, and objects may appear double. Dizziness or difficulty maintaining balance may occur. There is severe headache that has not been experienced before. If these symptoms appear, contact 119 immediately and go to a hospital capable of vascular surgery quickly.

What are the lifestyle guidelines for the prevention and management of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases?

 

Quitting smoking is important. About a year after quitting, the risk of developing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases is reduced by half. Secondhand smoke should also be avoided. Eat a balanced diet that is not too salty, and consume plenty of whole grains, vegetables, beans, and fish that are good for blood vessels. Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day and reduce prolonged sitting. Those who already have high blood pressure, blood sugar, or poor blood vessels should be cautious with excessive exercise. Stress can raise blood pressure and cause arrhythmia. Regularly measure blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels to detect vascular diseases early and take precautions.

 

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It's been cold since last week.

After the weekend, today feels even more so.

It feels cold.

 

The sky is also very cloudy.

 

You should take care of keeping warm on days like this.

 

When going out, at least wear a vest over your clothes.