After waking up in the morning, cardiovascular patients are advised to stay in bed for a while.

During the 40 days from Jingzhe to Qingming, the temperature difference between day and night often exceeds 15°C. Studies have shown that the incidence of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and sudden death increases significantly in cold weather.

Points to note when dressing

The most effective measure to keep warm is to dress warmly. The traditional Chinese concept of keeping warm is to at least cover the belly button. But for cardiovascular patients, this is not enough. There are several key points:

1. Upper and lower limbs: Protect your arms and legs to ensure good blood circulation. In a cold environment, vasoconstriction may lead to reduced blood circulation and increase the burden on the heart. Therefore, it is important to wear appropriate long-sleeved clothing and long pants, and use gloves and socks and other protective measures.

2. Head and neck: The head and neck are the parts where heat dissipates the fastest and are also important areas for body temperature regulation. Wearing a hat and scarf appropriately can reduce heat loss and protect the blood vessels in the neck.

3. Feet: Ensure good blood circulation in the feet. Wear warm shoes and socks that are loose in size to prevent the feet from being affected by the cold, which can cause vasoconstriction and reduced blood circulation.

4. Chest and abdomen: Protecting the chest and abdomen can reduce the impact of cold on the heart. Wearing warm clothing, such as a thick coat or sweater, can keep the chest and abdomen warm.

Points to note when exercising

Aerobic exercise is very beneficial for cardiovascular patients, such as walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, Tai Chi, etc. You can also do some strength exercises indoors, such as elastic bands, and flexibility and balance exercises. Adhering to moderate physical exercise can improve cardiopulmonary function, enhance heart endurance and health, promote blood circulation, prevent thrombosis, and reduce weight, control blood pressure and blood sugar. When the weather is cold, patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are best to choose the time period from 10 am to 3 pm, and go out when the temperature is relatively high.

Pay attention to the diet

A reasonable diet is very important. Eat less high-calorie, high-salt, and high-sugar foods, control weight, blood pressure, and blood lipid levels, and reduce salt and fat intake. In addition, it is also necessary to ensure the intake of fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement the body with dietary fiber and vitamins, and effectively improve the body's ability to resist cold.

In addition, blindly limiting fat intake is not the best way for us to manage cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In addition to avoiding deductions, it is also important to find the right points. Among common foods, olive oil and nuts are our preferred fat intake foods.

Key points to note: sleep

6:00 to 10:00 is known as the "devil's time" for cardiovascular disease, and most cardiovascular diseases occur during this time period. When people sleep at night, all systems of the body are in a semi-dormant state. When they wake up in the morning, their heart rate changes from slow to fast, which increases the substances that cause blood vessels to contract and blood coagulation, making blood clots more likely to occur. Getting up suddenly after waking up can easily induce cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Therefore, after waking up in the morning, it is best to "stay in bed" for a while to allow the body to adapt.

The most important thing is to have regular physical examinations, follow your doctor's advice, and promptly treat and manage potential cardiovascular risk factors. It is also recommended to learn some first aid skills in case of emergency.

□Xu Guojuan, head nurse of the Department of Cardiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University