[Click! Health] Vascular Health Threatened by Growing Temperature Differences

[Image source=Pixabay]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Cardiovascular disease patients usually increase during seasonal transitions. In late winter, the number of patients decreases in February but then sharply rises again in March.

According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service on the 26th, as of last year, the number of cardiovascular disease patients in March was 334,160, which is about 35,000 more than in February.

The sharp increase in cardiovascular disease patients during the spring seasonal transition is due to the large daily temperature difference of more than 10°C, fluctuating between below and above freezing. Generally, cardiovascular diseases are known to increase in cold weather, but actual research results show that daily temperature variation is a greater risk factor than temperature or season. One study found that for every 1°C increase in daily temperature difference, the risk of acute stroke increased by 2.4%, and by 2.7% in those aged 65 and older. On the other hand, stroke incidence rates were similar across all four seasons, and temperature differences had less impact on hemorrhagic stroke.

This situation occurs because when the temperature difference is large, the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves that regulate vascular function is disrupted, causing excessive vasoconstriction. This leads to increased blood pressure differences, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, and heightened inflammatory responses, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases including thrombosis (blood clots). Dr. Lee Kyung-bin, an internist at Mokdong Himchan Hospital, said, “Large daily temperature differences are a cause of cardiovascular disease, and studies show that when the temperature difference reaches 15°C, myocardial infarction increases by 40%. To prevent myocardial infarction, which involves necrosis of heart muscle tissue or cells, it is important to maintain vascular elasticity through regular exercise.”

[Photo by Himchan Hospital]

Major cardiovascular diseases include myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and cerebrovascular diseases. Myocardial infarction is a common disease and ranks as the second leading cause of death in South Korea. It occurs when the coronary arteries surrounding the heart, which enable heart muscle movement, are completely blocked by a blood clot, cutting off blood supply to the heart muscle. Symptoms include pain in the upper chest area, shortness of breath, and a squeezing chest pain. Sometimes, there may be no chest pain but symptoms like indigestion and pain around the pit of the stomach. The variety of symptoms can delay diagnosis and treatment, which is a risk factor. If a pressing or squeezing pain in the center of the chest lasts more than 30 minutes, you should visit a hospital.

Angina pectoris is chest pain caused by narrowed coronary arteries that impede blood flow. Chest pain occurs when climbing hills or lifting heavy objects but disappears with rest. When there are heart vessel problems, other symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling or heaviness in the legs, and pain while walking may also occur. It is important to visit a hospital if angina symptoms appear. Treatments for angina and myocardial infarction mainly include medication to open blocked vessels or stent insertion.

When blood vessels are compromised, the risk of cerebrovascular disease also increases. Stroke occurs when blood vessels supplying blood to the brain are blocked or rupture. If the brain does not receive adequate nutrients and oxygen, brain damage can occur, potentially leading to severe physical disabilities or death. Especially during seasonal transitions with large daily temperature differences, blood vessels constrict and blood pressure becomes unstable, increasing risk. Stroke symptoms include sudden severe headache lasting from seconds to minutes, paralysis of one side of the body, and slurred speech or difficulty pronouncing words. Because severe disabilities or death can result, prompt hospital treatment is essential.

How to prevent it? ... Maintain body temperature and take care of your health with exercise and diet

To prevent vascular diseases during seasonal transitions, it is important to manage body temperature so it does not fluctuate with large daily temperature differences. Wear clothing that maintains body heat during cold early mornings or nights, and dress lightly during warm daytime. If you need to be outdoors for a long time, bring an outer garment to prepare for sudden temperature changes.

Lifestyle habits are also important. Especially if you have a family history of vascular disease or are in a high-risk group with chronic conditions such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or diabetes, you should be more careful. Exercise regularly for about 30 minutes a day but avoid exposure to cold winds in the early morning or evening. It is also important to do thorough warm-up exercises before physical activity to relax the whole body. Smokers have about twice the risk of cardiovascular disease compared to non-smokers, so quitting smoking is essential, and alcohol consumption should be limited to one or two drinks per day. Foods high in salt raise blood pressure, so salt intake should be reduced.

Dr. Kim Yumi, an endocrinologist at Incheon Himchan General Hospital, advised, “Patients with vascular disease should remember a low-salt and low-cholesterol diet. Salt intake should be reduced to less than 10g, and consumption of fatty meats and fried foods should be avoided. Instead, try to consume fish, olive oil, vegetables, seaweed, and nuts.”

Because rapid emergency treatment is crucial for vascular diseases, if you belong to a high-risk group, you should be well aware of emergency symptoms and seek hospital care promptly if symptoms occur. If someone nearby experiences an emergency, immediately call 119 and calmly perform emergency procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation according to instructions.