On the 10th, temperatures in the Gangwon and Gyeonggi regions dropped to around minus 20 degrees, reaching the peak of winter cold this year. Experts emphasize the need to pay more attention to heart health during winter.
Various responses occur in our bodies depending on the temperature, and when it gets colder, changes in blood vessels can affect the heart. In fact, the number of cardiovascular disease patients arriving at emergency rooms increases during winter.
Park Chang-beom, a professor at Gangdong Kyunghee University Hospital's Department of Cardiology, noted on the 10th, "The cold winter weather and significant temperature differences between indoors and outdoors can cause drastic temperature changes that strain heart health," explaining that "when cold air touches the skin, it stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, raises the pulse rate, and increases blood pressure, thereby heightening the risk of cardiovascular diseases." The low temperatures in winter activate the sympathetic nervous system, raising blood pressure and placing a burden on the heart.
Professor Park said, "In low temperatures, urine volume increases and moisture in the blood diminishes, leading to a thickening of the blood concentration that can increase the risk of heart disease," adding, "Additionally, factors that can trigger heart disease can arise as hormones are stimulated by cold air."
Professor Park emphasized, "During winter, special attention should be paid to coronary artery diseases such as angina and myocardial infarction."
Coronary arteries are the most important vessels supplying blood to the heart. The disease in which the coronary arteries slowly become blocked due to arteriosclerosis is called 'angina.' If it suddenly gets blocked, it is referred to as 'myocardial infarction.'
Although angina and myocardial infarction may appear similar, their symptoms differ somewhat. Angina worsens when climbing stairs or steep hills due to narrowed blood vessels, while symptoms improve when resting or lying down. In contrast, acute myocardial infarction is characterized by persistent symptoms regardless of movement or posture.
The representative symptom of coronary artery disease is 'chest pain.' Unlike sharp stabbing pains, the pain can feel heavy and oppressive, often described as terrifying. Some patients express it as feeling squeezed. In cases of acute myocardial infarction, sudden blockage of the coronary artery due to blood clots may lead to chest pain even during sleep. Most exhibit severe symptoms to the point of sweating, and the pain lasts for over 30 minutes. Professor Park emphasized, "It is an emergency situation; hence, one must immediately call 119 for help and go to the emergency room as quickly as possible."
Atrial fibrillation, characterized by rapid trembling of the atria where blood accumulates, is another condition with a high risk of onset in winter. Professor Lee Dae-in of Korea University Guro Hospital's Department of Cardiology explained, "Cold weather increases the risk of atrial fibrillation," stating that "research indicates that for every 10℃ drop in temperature, the incidence of atrial fibrillation increases by 20%."
The main symptoms of atrial fibrillation include palpitations, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, and shortness of breath. These are closely linked to the risk of stroke and should not be taken lightly. Professor Lee stated, "Even consuming one drink a day can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation by 16%," warning that with more drinking opportunities during winter parties and New Year's celebrations, exposure to low temperatures can adversely affect cardiovascular health.
Neglecting to brush properly or ignoring gum disease can also increase the risk to cardiovascular health. If gum disease is neglected, inflammatory factors and bacteria in the oral cavity can spread throughout the body via the blood vessels, causing damage to the blood vessels, which may narrow or block during the healing process, hindering smooth blood flow. Persisting in this condition increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Research conducted by the Karolinska Institute in Sweden tracked 1,587 individuals with an average age of 62 for 6.2 years to investigate the relationship between gum disease and cardiovascular disease. The study found that people with gum disease had a 49% higher probability of developing and dying from cardiovascular disease compared to those with healthy gums. The severity of gum disease symptoms was shown to correlate with an increased likelihood of cardiovascular disease onset.
Park Yong-duk, president of the Korea Dental Hygiene Association, stated, "Gum health is a key factor in overall health," advising that "one should brush within one minute after eating, for at least two minutes, and aim to brush at least three times a day—morning, noon, and night."
To prevent cardiovascular disease, a healthy lifestyle is crucial. There are study reports indicating that overwork and stress raise the prevalence of heart diseases.
In this context, the Korean Society of Cardiology announced the 'Ten commandments for lifestyle habits to prevent cardiovascular disease.' The recommendations include: ▲ Strictly refrain from smoking ▲ Maintain appropriate weight and waist circumference ▲ Exercise regularly ▲ Consume sufficient vegetables and fruits ▲ Limit intake of salt, simple sugars, animal red meat, and trans fats ▲ Eat fatty fish and nuts ▲ Avoid excessive drinking ▲ Get enough sleep and maintain good relationships with family and friends ▲ Stay close to nature and avoid pollution ▲ Get regular health checkups.
There are opinions suggesting that health supplements 'omega-3 fatty acids' and common foods 'krill oil' may help prevent cardiovascular diseases, but their effectiveness has not been scientifically proven.
Professor Park said, "There is still no clear evidence that omega-3 fatty acids prevent heart disease," adding, "There is also no evidence that omega-3 intake is detrimental to health, so if you want to take omega-3 fatty acids, it is not an issue." He noted that "in the case of krill oil, it is classified as a common food rather than a health supplement, making it difficult to prove its effectiveness in preventing cardiovascular disease."