On a crisp autumn morning, a 50-year-old office worker, Mr. Lee, felt a sudden tightness in his chest and numbness in his left arm while exercising. Initially dismissing it as fatigue or shortness of breath, he later sought medical attention and was diagnosed with angina pectoris.
Angina occurs when the coronary arteries narrow, reducing blood flow to the heart. Cold weather exacerbates this condition by causing blood vessels to constrict, placing additional strain on the heart. This can lead to decreased oxygen supply to the heart muscle, triggering chest pain or discomfort.
“In the early morning hours, when temperatures are lowest, the cardiovascular system is under greater stress and requires extra caution,” said Sung Hae Kim, a professor of cardiology at Konkuk University Hospital.
Why Cold Weather Increases Cardiovascular Risks
Individuals with hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia (i.e., abnormal cholesterol levels) are especially vulnerable and should avoid early morning exercise. Instead, engaging in physical activity after 10 a.m., when temperatures are milder, is safer. Smoking, a major risk factor, can constrict coronary arteries and increase the likelihood of angina by up to fourfold, making cessation critical.
Angina Symptoms Extend Beyond Chest Pain
The hallmark symptom of angina is a squeezing or pressing chest pain. However, discomfort can radiate to the jaw, neck, shoulders, or arms, and may manifest as nausea or shortness of breath. Postmenopausal women face a higher risk due to diminished protective effects of estrogen. According to South Korea’s Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, more than 80% of the roughly 700,000 angina patients in 2023 were aged 50 or older, with postmenopausal women making up a growing share.
While angina symptoms typically subside within minutes, untreated cases can progress to a heart attack. Persistent symptoms, especially those occurring in the morning or during cold weather, require immediate medical attention.
Prevention Through Lifestyle and Careful Exercise
Diagnosing angina is relatively straightforward, with tests like electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, stress tests, CT scans, or coronary angiography used to confirm the condition. Early-stage angina can often be managed with medication, while severe cases may require stent placement.
Lifestyle changes are paramount for prevention. A diet low in saturated fats and sodium, emphasizing vegetables, fish, nuts, and olive oil, supports heart health. While aerobic exercise benefits the heart, it’s crucial to avoid overexertion in cold weather or when feeling unwell. If chest pain occurs during exercise, individuals should stop immediately and seek medical care.
“Angina can lead to sudden cardiac death, but early diagnosis and lifestyle management can effectively control it,” Kim emphasized. “In seasons with significant temperature fluctuations, like autumn, paying attention to subtle bodily signals is essential.”
Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr
