SUNDAY, Feb. 9, 2003 (HealthDayNews) -- If you have heart disease, be careful that the cold weather doesn't put a chill in your heart.
Winter temperatures and conditions can be dangerous for people with cardiovascular disease, says the American Heart Association (AHA).
They may be more prone to hypothermia, a condition where the body temperature falls below normal. It's the result of the body not being able to produce enough energy to maintain internal body temperature. Hypothermia can be fatal, and heart failure is the cause of most deaths in such cases.
Hypothermia symptoms include coordination difficulties, slowed reaction, shivering, sleepiness and mental confusion.
It's not just cold temperatures that can snatch away your body heat: Wind, snow and rain are also factors. The AHA advises you to protect yourself by wearing layers of warm clothing that trap insulating air between layers.
Don't forget to wear a hat or head scarf to prevent body heat from escaping through your head. Wear mittens and boots that will keep your hands and feet warm.
Avoid alcohol. It expands blood vessels in the skin, causing heat to be drawn away from your body's vital organs.
Cold weather combined with shoveling or walking through heavy, wet snow or snow drifts can put strain on your heart, the AHA says. Some studies indicate severe winter weather may also increase heart attack risk because of overexertion.
More information
To learn more, go to the American Heart Association.
