To Some, Winter Wonderland Can Be a Nightmare
By By Carly Romalino
Gloucester County Times | December 14, 2009

A white Christmas might be what some are dreaming of, but for those with cardiovascular disease, snow and frigid temperatures could pose serious health risks.

When the temperatures plummet, cardiologist Dr. Sanford Gips said, the number of heart-related incidents always increases.

"When it gets cold like this, cardiologists and orthopedists know we are going to get busy," said Gips, an interventional cardiologist with Virtua Health.

Snow and ice typically bring an influx of broken bones caused by falls on iced surfaces, and heart attacks and other cardiac issues due to heart strain.

"There are more heart attacks that occur in the winter than the summertime," he said. "The major factor, which is most timely right now, is the presence of the flu."

People with cardiovascular disease are a group at highest risk from dying of the flu, he said.

The virus puts a strain on the heart and the body, and patients often mix over-the-counter medications to remedy the symptoms. But Vicks NyQuil cold medicine and Sudafed, that contain decongestants, may exacerbate their conditions, he said.

"Decongestants often raise your blood pressure and increase your heart rate, which can cause a strain," he said.

If there is a known heart condition, use Coricidin HBP for cold symptoms. This over-the-counter drug contains a pain reliever and antihistamine, but excludes the decongestant. Those who smoke, who are diabetic, or have a strong family history of heart disease should be screened before exercise, heavy activity, or using over-the-counter cold medications.

"People are obviously doing things in the winter that provide much more of a strain on their cardiovascular system than in the summertime," he said.

"People push themselves harder in the wintertime ... shoveling snow, trudging through deep snow, and going skiing when they aren't in good shape to do those things."

Shoveling snow, he said, is particularly dangerous because it is similar to weightlifting exercise, where lifters tend to hold their breath and bear down. That action can severely raise the blood pressure.

"A sudden rise in blood pressure can cause a heart attack," he said. "No one over the age of 30 should be shoveling snow unless they know they are in good condition and can do it."

Gips said it's a good time to learn CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, especially if a family member has coronary disease.