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Dr Punam Krishan, resident GP on TV's Morning Live, has warned that people need to look out for symptoms of a serious health problem as the weather gets colder in the weeks ahead. Dr Punam told Stannah that when temperatures drop, you need to keep your heart health in mind. She said: “Cold weather can potentially place a strain on the cardiovascular system. When the body is exposed to low temperatures, blood vessels constrict to preserve core body heat – as such, the heart pumps harder. It’s important to avoid physical exertion or exercise in these conditions, especially at an older age or with related pre-existing conditions. Symptoms and signs of cold temperature-related heart stress to watch out for Chest pain or tightness Unusual shortness of breath Extreme fatigue when out in the cold Irregular heartbeat or palpitations Pale or blue tinted skin “These signs can mean that the cardiovascular system is under stress”, said Dr Punam, “older people or people with heart conditions may not detect these symptoms as easily so it’s important to be vigilant as the weather gets colder. “Make sure you are wearing warm clothes and layering them to keep warmer air in, and keep your extremities covered with gloves, hats and thick, warm footwear.” The GP also recommends avoiding sudden extreme changes in temperature and to stay inside heated buildings ‘as much as possible’. To keep the upstairs of your home warm, as hot air rises, make sure your windows are sealed properly to ensure it doesn’t escape. Dr Punam adds: “Overall, heart health is also built on consistent, sustainable habits. Do your best to stay active indoors and eat heart-healthy foods which include plenty of fruit and veg, whole grains, oily fish and unsalted nuts. “Maintain a consistent sleep schedule as poor sleep can also impact cardiovascular wellness and try to keep your stress levels down through breathing exercises, mindfulness and simple rest.”
