How does the cold impact our body?

Winter puts organisms to the test. As the American Heart Association points out in a document, falling temperatures can have effects on the health of our organs, including the heart or the brain.

Drop in temperatures: global effects on the body

When our body is exposed to cold, the body loses heat more quickly than it produces it. Over time, body temperature begins to drop. “Long-term exposure to cold – especially if core body temperature falls below 35 degrees Celsius – can lead to hypothermia, frostbite and other problems“, warns Haitham Khraishah, cardiologist at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute and assistant professor of medicine at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Frostbite is red, painful patches that appear on the extremities due to “a lack of blood circulation in the extremities linked to cold weather also makes us more vulnerable to illnesses.”When the weather is cold, people tend to gather indoors, in more populated environments, making it easier for germs to spread“, he indicates. This cardiologist emphasizes that, overall, the elderly and young children are most at risk from cool temperatures.

Cold: consequences on lung health

For people with pulmonary pathology, the drop in temperatures can be difficult to live with. Cold, dry air irritates the airways: in cases of asthma or respiratory illness, this can increase inflammation and tighten the muscles around the airways. “This can lead to wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath or a burning sensation in the chest, especially during exercise.alerts the cardiologist.

What are the effects of cold on the cardiovascular system?

Regarding heart health, the specialist emphasizes that the cold has effects on the blood vessels. They shrink to prevent heat loss. “The mission of our body is to preserve vital organs, he recalls. The blood moves away from the periphery to this area, which is why the fingers and toes become cold.”

This narrowing of the vessels can increase blood pressure, causing a heart attack or stroke. “Extreme cold can also cause blood to thicken and become more prone to clotting, which also increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.he adds.

Hypothermia: the cold can be dangerous for the brain

This narrowing of blood vessels can be very dangerous for cognitive functions and the brain. “Warning signs of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, slow breathing, memory loss, drowsiness, exhaustion, a puffy or swollen face, and pale skin. he explains. Babies with hypothermia may have clear, red skin and very low energy.“This is a medical emergency: hypothermia can have consequences on vital functions or even lead to death. These signs must therefore be taken seriously.