Morning Walks in the Cold: Best and Worst Times Based on Heart Risk

Winter

is here, and so are various ailments and conditions that happen in cold weather. For those fitness freaks, who do not miss their morning walks – come what may – need to be a little careful as the chill in the air can be a little dangerous for their heart health. According to doctors, morning strolls in winter can significantly increase the risk of heart attacks for several reasons.

Cold air breathing strains the lungs

Experts say breathing cold air early morning could worsen your respiratory system – especially if you have breathing issues and conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. According to studies, low temperatures restrict airways, causing breathing difficulties and increased mucus production. This effect is more evident in the early morning, when temperatures are lowest.

Breathing cold air strains the heart

Mornings in winter can be extremely challenging for your heart, as low temperatures cause your blood vessels to constrict, raising blood pressure and forcing your heart to work harder. Doctors say heart attacks are more common in the morning, and the added stress of cold weather further increases the risk. For those with preexisting heart conditions, morning walks in winter could be extremely dangerous.

Causes physical exertion

Walking or exercising in cold weather can also be more strenuous on your body. When you combine this with the constriction of blood vessels, it places additional stress on the heart and increases the risk of a heart attack.

Increases the risk of accidents

Most of the time, mornings in winter can be foggy, which lowers visibility. This provides a safety risk – especially in locations where the traffic is extremely high. Studies attribute fog-related accidents to an increase throughout the winter because limited visibility makes it difficult to see impediments.

What can you do instead?

According to doctors, even if you go for a walk in colder weather, you need to take a few precautions, which include:

Dress appropriately

Make sure to be adequately dressed – wearing warm clothing in layers to protect yourself from the cold. It helps maintain your body temperature and reduces the strain on your cardiovascular system.

Warm-up exercises

Before leaving home, make sure to do some light warm-up exercises indoors to gradually raise your heart rate.

Stay hydrated

Even though it is cold, make sure you are hydrated, which is crucial for heart health. Drink enough water before and after your walk to prevent dehydration.

Time your walks wisely

Instead of very early morning, try to go for walks during the warmer parts of the day, like mid-morning or afternoon, when the temperature is relatively higher.

Do not ignore warning signs

If you feel any warning signs or symptoms that indicate heart issues, like chest pain, breathlessness, excessive fatigue, or dizziness, do not ignore them and consult your doctor immediately.