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Cold weather increases the risk of stroke

2024-11-24 09:42:00, Shëndeti CNA

While it's always important to be aware of stroke symptoms and prevention guidelines, it's even more important to know that in winter the risk increases even more due to the cold and festive weather.

The American Stroke Association recently released new guidelines for preventing a stroke, the fourth leading killer in the US. Because most strokes can be prevented with lifestyle changes, it's important to consider these recommendations.

According to experts at Northwestern Medicine, cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict, which increases blood pressure and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Along with the cold weather, the holiday season can cause stress hormones to rise. The double whammy of cold weather and stress further increases the likelihood of cardiovascular events.

Global studies have confirmed that the incidence of strokes increases in winter, says the American Heart Association (AHA). A German study, for example, found that for every 2.9 degrees Celsius drop in temperature over 24 hours, strokes increased by 11%, and at even higher rates for those at high risk.

Another study from Brazil found that falling temperatures can increase the number of deaths from strokes.

Staying indoors all winter to prevent an increased risk of stroke isn't practical or even recommended, so it's important to follow these tips to help protect yourself:

• Dress well on a cold day. Wear plenty of clothing, especially hats, gloves and thick socks

• Stay at home as much as possible

If you are out for a long period, the rest of the day it would be best to stay indoors in warm surroundings.

• Avoid excess alcohol. Alcohol makes you feel warmer than you are and can be especially dangerous if you're drinking outside in the cold.

• Get help. If you have symptoms of heart disease, don't wait to seek help, even on holidays.

According to The Washington Post, about 80% of strokes are preventable.

Stroke experts have coined the acronym FAST to help determine if you are having a stroke. F for face, A for arm, S for speech and T for time./ CNA