During the winter months, cold weather can put extra strain on our hearts, especially for people with heart failure.[1] Low temperatures can cause blood vessels to narrow, restricting the flow of blood around the body and so reducing the amount of oxygen reaching the heart.[1] This means the heart needs to work harder to continue pumping enough blood and oxygen around the body.[2]
The risk of people with heart failure being hospitalized increases over the winter period, so it is important to be aware of potential risks to your heart health and take precautions to make sure you look after yourself and, most importantly, your heart this winter.[3],[4]
There are lots of simple but effective things you can do to help stay well:
For people with heart failure, a cold or flu can be a serious illness and some people with the condition may be eligible for a flu vaccination.[2] It’s important to be aware of the symptoms, including having a fever, runny or stuffy nose, feeling tired and vomiting and diarrhea, so you can spot them quickly and visit your doctor for advice.[7]
Take a look at the infographic below for more on the symptoms of cold and flu and tips on keeping well over winter, or download it.
Following these simple and easy-to-follow tips can help you to maintain your heart health and spot the early signs of being unwell.
Maybe you have some tips of your own for staying healthy this winter? Why not share these with us on social media?