How Heart Disease Patients Can Prevent Relapse During a Cold Wave: Winter Protection Guide

With the arrival of a cold wave, how to prevent cardiovascular disease recurrence: Cardiovascular diseases can occur in all seasons, but they are more common in winter, especially in cold weather. Among patients with a confirmed heart condition, sudden death is more likely to occur in cold weather (temperature <15.4℃). In Northeast China and the Guizhou Plateau region, cardiovascular diseases induced by hypertension are more likely to occur in winter. Studies have shown that there is a linear negative correlation between cardiovascular disease mortality and temperature in the range of -48℃ to 10℃. For every 1℃ decrease in temperature in cold regions, the incidence of myocardial infarction increases by 2.2%, and the cardiovascular disease mortality rate increases by 1%, especially during the 28 days of temperature drop, when the risk of myocardial infarction is highest.

What should patients pay attention to during a cold wave:

1. Hypertensive patients: Blood pressure may fluctuate during cold seasons or when temperatures drop suddenly, but there is no need to be overly anxious. Patients should increase the frequency of blood pressure measurements to 3-4 times a day, morning and evening. If blood pressure exceeds the expected target, they should consult a doctor to adjust their medication; self-adjustment is strictly prohibited.

2. Patients with coronary heart disease and myocardial ischemia: If the patient does not experience symptoms of myocardial ischemia such as chest tightness or chest pain, they can continue with their original treatment plan without excessive nutritional supplementation.

3. Patients with heart failure: Blood pressure fluctuates in winter and summer, and influenza is prevalent. Patients should pay attention to controlling their blood pressure, avoid crowded places, and prevent infection that could trigger heart failure.

Lifestyle adjustments during seasonal changes:

1. Exercise: It is not recommended to exercise while wearing a mask in areas with frequent smog, as this is not only ineffective but also harmful. Patients can do some aerobic exercises indoors, such as Tai Chi, Baduanjin (Eight Pieces of Brocade), or stepping. If the weather is good, outdoor exercise is acceptable, preferably in the afternoon, avoiding excessive exercise.

2. Diet: A light and balanced diet should be maintained as usual. Smoking should be avoided and alcohol consumption limited. Do not excessively increase the intake of certain foods due to winter to avoid aggravating heart disease.

3. Maintain a calm mindset: Many patients worry excessively about health problems in winter, leading to excessive mental stress, which is detrimental to recovery. Others blindly go to the hospital for intravenous infusions to clear their blood vessels or use folk remedies, which is not advisable. Maintaining a balanced mindset and relaxing is the best "medicine".