Winter is coming, and the risk of myocardial infarction is quietly increasing

This is the 5238th article of Da Yi Xiao Hu

A cold wave has hit recently, and temperatures have dropped sharply across the country. Dr. Han is here to care about your heart!

Why is it easier to be "sad" in winter? This is because acute myocardial infarction, a life-threatening emergency, is more likely to occur when the weather is cold! On October 28 this year, a nationwide study by Academician Ge Junbo and others that included 1 million patients with myocardial infarction found that non-obstructive coronary myocardial infarction is more likely to occur when the temperature is low. This correlation is stronger and closer among the elderly, women and residents in the south. Moreover, the risk of myocardial infarction associated with low temperatures will lag behind by 2 days and last up to 1 week. In other words, acute myocardial infarction may occur within a week of experiencing cold weather.

Literature source: Low ambient temperature and incident myocardial infarction with or without obstructive coronary arteries: a Chinese nationwide study. Eur Heart J, 28 October 2024

Faced with a sudden drop in temperature, how can we protect our hearts and spend the winter safely?

First of all, we need to make sure whether we are at high risk of myocardial infarction:

The elderly, diabetics, people with high blood pressure, high blood lipids, obesity, people whose parents have a history of premature coronary heart disease, and long-term smokers.

Common factors that induce acute myocardial infarction: strenuous exercise, excessive fatigue from staying up late, overeating, drinking heavily, drastic mood swings, forceful bowel movements, etc.

Secondly, what do we need to do to control chronic diseases, avoid triggers, and prevent myocardial infarction?

1. Keep warm

Avoid going out when it is extremely cold or when the temperature drops suddenly, especially the elderly who are at high risk of myocardial infarction. Try to avoid traveling to the north in winter and avoid exercising too early in the morning. Even if you go out, you must keep warm and wear a hat or scarf.

2. Eat healthy

A balanced diet is very important. Don't overeat or eat too much greasy food, especially during the New Year and other festivals. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Try to eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and high-quality protein.

3. Control chronic diseases

Many diseases will fluctuate when the weather changes. For example, patients with hypertension should pay attention to measuring their blood pressure. When the weather is cold, blood vessels often constrict, causing blood pressure to rise. Blood pressure should be measured regularly to see if the dosage of medication needs to be adjusted to bring blood pressure up to standard.

4. Exercise moderately

In winter, try to exercise indoors to maintain your physical activity. If you swim, warm up thoroughly. If you sweat a lot, avoid going outdoors immediately. Avoid excessive and strenuous exercise in cold seasons.

Finally, it is necessary to maintain a good mood, balance work and rest, and have regular physical examinations. I believe that everyone is familiar with these commonplace health knowledge. I hope everyone will remember the "heart protection" tips and spend the cold winter safely.

Author: East China Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University

Emergency Department