What does cold bring to our cardiovascular system? Today, we will unveil the 7 major challenges that cold weather brings to cardiovascular health. For every 1 ℃ drop, the incidence of heart disease increases by 2%. After entering winter, every time experiencing cold air cooling or rainy or snowy days, the number of patients coming to the cardiology clinics of major hospitals for treatment continues to increase, indicating that cardiovascular disease has entered a peak period of onset. According to the statistics of research data, the incidence rate of cardiovascular diseases in winter is nearly half higher than that in summer, and the mortality rate is 30% higher than that in summer. Specifically, when the temperature drops below 12 ℃, the incidence rate of heart disease will increase by 2% for every 1 ℃ drop. In fact, cold weather not only causes adverse stimulation to the heart, but also exacerbates other illnesses and indirectly affects the heart. Therefore, only by facing and actively responding to cold weather can we win the battle of cardiovascular defense in the cold winter. The adverse effects of cold on the cardiovascular system. Vascular contraction follows the principle of thermal expansion and contraction. When stimulated by cold, blood vessels also contract, which can easily lead to increased blood pressure, slower blood flow, and increased burden on the heart. Fluctuations in blood pressure and cold air stimulate the sympathetic nervous system of the human body, causing an increase in cardiac contractility, heart rate, and blood pressure. For hypertensive patients, cold is like a "booster", causing fluctuations in blood pressure and increasing the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Consuming too much high calorie food and lowering its temperature can stimulate an increase in appetite, increasing the demand for high calorie and heavy mouthed foods to keep warm. However, excessive oil, salt, and sugar are a burden on the body, which can easily cause elevated blood pressure and blood lipids, and increase the incidence of related heart diseases. The blood becomes viscous, and our limbs are at the very end of the body, where blood runs slower than other parts. Winter is cold, with reduced water intake, excessive oil intake, increased blood viscosity, and increased platelet aggregation, thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Exercise reduces the risk of cold weather and increased rain and snow, which naturally leads many people to reduce their outdoor activities and exercise time. Lack of exercise can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Respiratory infections are most likely to occur in winter, such as the widespread mycoplasma infection that occurred recently. Once cardiovascular disease patients are infected with upper respiratory diseases, it is easy to worsen cardiovascular disease. Many people experience seasonal emotional instability, especially in autumn and winter. However, the winter chill, reduced outdoor activities, and increased time spent indoors can lead to emotional fluctuations and increase the risk of anxiety and depression, which is like adding insult to injury for cardiovascular patients. Cardiovascular disease patients like to keep warm by adjusting their clothing according to weather changes and paying attention to the transition between indoor and outdoor temperatures. They should also pay special attention to keeping their faces warm. Diet should be nourishing yin and moistening lungs, low salt and fat, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, drink plenty of warm water to reduce blood viscosity. Necessary physical exercise should avoid the cold early morning period, and outdoor walks or brisk walking can be done when the sun is shining. Choose aerobic exercise indoors if conditions permit, such as treadmills, indoor swimming, etc. Maintain good hygiene habits, wash hands frequently, avoid contact with infected individuals, and consider vaccination if necessary to prevent influenza. Maintain a calm mindset and avoid impatience when encountering problems. Communicate more with family and friends, or seek professional psychological counseling. Reasonable use of medication for cardiovascular diseases requires long-term treatment. Follow the doctor's advice to take medication regularly, pay attention to physical changes, and seek medical attention and investigation in a timely manner. (Xinhua News Agency) Article/Wang Fang (Beijing Hospital)