Health & Well-Being

That's from the Reuters news service.
In fact, people with high blood pressure are twice as likely to have a heart attack when the temperature drops below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. According to Reuters, researchers also found that if the temperature drops quite a bit from one day to the next, it can trigger a heart attack. For example, if it's 40 degrees colder today than it was yesterday, you have a 62 percent greater risk of having a heart attack.
So, why does cold weather cause heart attacks?

• First, cold temperatures increase your blood pressure, and put more strain on your heart.
• Cold weather also raises cholesterol levels.
• And makes blood stickier and more likely to clot.
• Plus, winter respiratory infections increase swelling in your arteries, which can cause plaque to break free and create blockage.

So, how can you protect yourself? The European Society of Cardiology says when it's below freezing or the temperature changes drastically, be careful of your outdoor activities. In other words, don't go for a run, or shovel snow off the sidewalk.
And if you're concerned about your risk for a heart attack, talk to your doctor.