Pay more attention to your Heart health during Winter

(NC)—In your family, do be aware that along with winter, dips in temperature and snow covered rooftops, comes an increased risk of heart attacks. In fact, studies have shown that heart-related deaths can rise an average of 26 to 36 per cent during the winter months. This is due to a number of contributing factors, including increased pressure on the heart in extreme weather conditions, constriction of the blood vessels, rich food intake, and the human body altering to daylight savings time.

While the winter season may increase the chances of having a heart attack, it is important that Canadians at-risk of heart disease, including a heart attack, are working with their doctors to manage it appropriately. Risk factors for heart disease include: high blood pressure, being overweight, diabetes, stress, and family history among others.

In Canada, 40 per cent of the population suffers from high blood cholesterol. Evidence has shown that keeping blood cholesterol at target levels is necessary to maintain a healthy heart. A lifestyle incorporating a healthy diet and daily exercise will help, but sometimes lifestyle changes are not enough, and cholesterol-lowering medication may be needed to reach recommended levels to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

In addition, there are some simple tips we can all follow to keep us healthier during the winter months, including:

• Exercise regularly and manage your weight.

• Eat a healthy balanced diet.

• Limit alcohol intake.

Young or not so young, adopting a heart-smart lifestyle makes sense. It's never too early to start taking good care of your heart and it's never too late. If you don't have a half-hour to put aside, try three 10-minute sessions instead. Be realistic in your choice of exercise: take on activities that are right for you and set goals you can achieve.

Remember to plan for all seasons since staying active and healthy in the wintertime is just as important as it is in the summertime.

www.newscanada.com

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American Heart Association. http://newsroom.heart.org/pr/aha/heart-related-deaths-increase-239568.aspx?ncid=36438.

Heart & Stroke Foundation. Heart disease prevention. http://www.heartandstroke.com/site/c.ikIQLcMWJtE/b.3483919/k.F2CA/Heart_disease__Prevention_of_Risk_Factors.htm. Last accessed August 21, 2012.

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