Extreme Cold Weather Brings Unexpected Health Risks

Britain’s climate is becoming increasingly unpredictable. And while it has always been a cold country in the winter, recent years have seen some very low temperatures and not always at the times that you might expect them. But just as snow and ice are associated with natural dangers in our lives, the cold weather also brings with it a number of health concerns.

However, it might not be just the typical problems that you have to look out for. Experts have suggested that extreme cold weather puts people at risk not only of conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite, but also some you might not think of such as stroke, heart attack and asthma flare-ups.

Even if you consider yourself to be in excellent physical condition you should take exposure to the very cold weather very seriously. It is known that when people are faced with freezing temperatures, their arteries constrict. This narrowing of the arteries can reduce blood flow throughout the body and put stress on the heart. This can be especially problematic for older people.

Statistics show that the number of heart attacks increases by an estimated 53 percent in the very cold winter time, and the cold-weather constriction of the arteries can also cause problems like increasing people’s blood pressure and their risk of stroke.

Cold weather can also cause problems for people who suffer with asthma. When people with the condition inhale dry, cold air they can often experience spasms or contractions of the air passages in their lungs. If you suffer from asthma and are worried about the cold you should contact your doctor and ask about the best ways to avoid any complications.