The most dangerous times of the year for your heart

Your cardiac health varies depending on the season. That's when you are most at risk.


When it comes to hard workers,your heart is really hard to beat. He pumped 24/7-when watching TV, give a job presentation, sleep, exercise it. And most of the time, this important muscle is working overtime without attracting too much attention to itself. However, no matter how you rarely think your heart, there are times when it's higher than others. To help you know when you pay the greatest attention to this, we have gathered the most dangerous moments of the year for your heart - and offered some easy tips that your Ticker will be strong steel. And for more ways to stay healthy, learn40 cardiac risk factors you need to pay attention after 40.

When pay more attention to your heart

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Although this seems that heart problems occur at random throughout the year, this is not the case. According to some of the best cardiologists in the country, there are more dangerous moments than others. We have gathered the time of the year that you need to give the greatest attention to the most essential organ of your body and what problems you need to be the most conscious of the moment.

1
The summer months

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The cold weather during the winter months is dangerous for your heart, we will arrive at this subject a short time - but these burning temperatures that come during the sunny summer days can also cause problems.

"During high temperatures, the heart must work stronger as it tries to cool the skin. He pumps up to four times more blood per minute as he would have a cold day, "says cardiologistKimberly Parks,MD, Assistant Professor of Harvard Medical School Medicine andmedical director Private health of synergy. This means that "your drops of blood pressure and heart rate increases, both leading to increased stress on coronary arteries-the blood vessels of the heart and therefore risks more than a heart attack. »

Another problem to know? Heattroke, which can temporarily or permanently damage the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs and brain. And if you have heart disease, your risk is increased.

"When external temperatures increase, the heart must work harder to pump blood on the skin, so that perspiration can occur. The perspiration, of course, helps to cool the body. But if the bodythe body can not cool enoughHe can put a strain on the heart and other organs, "says the cardiologistArthur Agatston, MD. "People with underlying heart disease can be more risky of heat because they are not as effective in cooling." And for more tips to keep your heart in good shape, avoid these27 daily habits that ruin your heart.

2
The winter months

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Winter is a magic time filled with sled rides, snowfall, mistletoe and, according to 2018 research published inJama Cardiology,Cardiac crises. One of the most common reasons for this is the combination of cold weather, which builds blood vessels and an increase in the physical effort of one of the most common seasonal tasks.

"The cold weather can increase theRisk of cardiac crises Because the blood vessels contract and the blood can cail more easily, "says Agatston". But there is also a risk that people who are normally very sedentary are pushed to do painful work, such as shovel snow. This sudden increase in physical effort can put a tension on the heart and cause a heart attack. For the love of security, hire someone else for work if it looks like a person outside your wheelhouse. And for more advice on the rancor of heart attacks, discover30 ways to reduce your risk of heart attack that you did not know.

3
The holiday season

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While cold and physical effort can cause health problems, there is another reason why there is a typical increase in cardiac crises during the winter months:holiday stress. According to a 2018 study published in the journalBmj,Cardiac crises increase during the winter holidaysAnd your highest risk is Christmas Eve. Not exactly the gift you hope, huh?

"It takes years for the plate to develop in the coronary arteries, which provide the heart muscle with blood and this process is accelerated if you have diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and / or a history of smoking . It's a physical or emotional stress, however, it makes your heart beat, which in turn causes a coronary plate to open up, rail and deprive a part of the heart muscle - an event known as A heart attack ", declares the cardiologistChristopher Kelly, MD, co-author ofAm I dying?!: A complete guide on your symptoms and what to do next.

"The winter holidays tend to be a more stressful period because they involve family members visiting (including those you do not like), traveling, preparing holidays and drinking alcohol," adds Kelly. "People with coronary heart disease are therefore more likely to undergo cardiac crises during this period."

4
Illness

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Common diseases, such as influenza, do not make you feel mocking - they can also have a negative impact on your heart. "During the winter months - with overlapping influenza and other viral diseases that may aggravate heart problems - there is a higher heart failure rate," says the cardiologistLarry Allen, MD,medical director of advanced heart failure toUchealth University Hospital from Colorado University.

In fact, a 2018 study published in theNew England Journal of Medicine found that people are six times more likely toHave a heart attack during the week after being diagnosed with influenza compared to the year before or after the infection. "There is an ongoing inflammation, and yourbody is under a lot of stress"Study authorJeff Kwong, MD, told NPR. These changes "can lead to increased risk of forming blood clots in the vessels that serve your heart," he said.

Of course, there is now also evidence that Coronavirus can have a seriousImpact on your cardiac healthSo it's all the reasons for doing everything you can to stay healthy.

5
The first hours of the morning

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Not only are there times of the year when your risk of heart attack increases, but also times of the day. "Cardiac crises occur at a slightly higher frequency on a Monday and between hours from 4 to 10 hours, when cortisol and adrenaline levels are higher," says Allen.

In addition, a 2011 study published in the journalHeart I found that heart attacks between 6 hours and noon were more destructive than other types. They resulted in20% of cardiac fabric death more that the episodes that occurred later in the day. And for more useful information delivered directly in your inbox,Sign up for our daily newsletter.

How to keep your heart in good health

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Although your risk of heart problems can increase depending on the time of the year, there are many ways to take care of your heart every day to make sure you keep the muscle strong and in good working condition.

1
Eat healthy diet for the heart.

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Even if you can loveFoods containing saturated greases, trans and sodium fat, your heart does not do it. According to the American Heart Association, you shouldFocus on a diet at the front Filled with fruits and vegetables, whole grains and nuts and legumes. And for more habits to cut, check these20 ways you did not realize that you are ruining your heart.

2
Regular exercise.

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According to the American Heart Association, you are supposed to have at least150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week. But before leaving, Kelly recommends talking to your doctor. "If you areMore than 40 years And plan to start a rigorous exercise program, ask your doctor if a stress test can be appropriate to ensure that your body can handle physical effort, "he says.

Also, be careful when doing exercise. "Avoid vigorous physical activity during extreme heat, especially if you have a known heart condition," says the parks. In this way, trying to stay in shape and healthy is not going to return and do more harm than good. And for more ways to improve your heart health, tryThe 50 best 5 minute exercises that everyone can do.

3
Get a shot of influenza.

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Yeah, yes, you have been said to vaccinate your influenza a billion times. Do not do it to fight the virus, but it do it for your heart. "A shot of the flu at the end of autumn or early winter is recommended," says Allen. In this way, you will not have to spend a week at home at home, I feel at home or at risk of a more serious medical condition.

4
Make preventive tests and to know your risk.

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In addition to staying active,Keep your weightAnd do not smoke, Agatston also recommends learning your risk earlier and take appropriate action to make your health in good standing. "We believe in preventive testing, such as to know your coronary score of calcium and your insulin levels," he says. "By learning from your heart risk at a young age, you can change atherosclerotic plates to form in the blood vessels."

5
Look at your blood pressure and cholesterol.

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If you are not regularly projected, it's now time to make sure you go to all your doctor's appointments. In doing so, your doctor can give you the tools you need to keep your heart healthy and catch all that stands out.

"Make sure you have been filtered forHypertension and high cholesterol and take medications to treat them if necessary. If you have diabetes, work closely with your doctor to keep your blood glucose under control, "says Kelly. Reduce your risk of cardiac attack. In the limited cases, a core calcium analysis can help inform the decision to take these medicines. "

6
Avoid all that is desiccant.

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When treating hot weather, keep your heart healthy by remaining also hydrated as possible. "Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration," says the parks. "Eat a lot of cold foods, such as fruits and vegetables, which are high in water and important nutrients, which are both lost during perspiration."

7
Manage your stress.

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Since having barence constraints - whether vacation or living through a pandemic - can have your chances of having a heart attack, Kelly says it's essential to start calming your body the best possible. "Try to find ways to control andcope with stress in your life. If you do not do it, it could kill you, "he says." Common strategies include deep breathing, meditation and conversation therapy. This also contributes to simply identify the problems that produce stress and find concrete and short-term ways to answer each of them. "

With small lifestyle changes, you and your heart you will feel at the notch for years.


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