Winter is coming and with it comes the return of the bitter cold. Low temperatures, which are not without consequences for the body: they favor the occurrence of numerous diseases. An update on this phenomenon with Dr. Kierzek, medical director of TipsForWomens.
“Cover up, you’ll catch a cold“. If in reality, this popular expression is not entirely accurate – the cold is not the cause of the occurrence of diseases, it is viruses which are to blame – it does however aggravate the development of certain conditions.
Increased cardiovascular risk
First point and not least: the cold increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
It can thus lead to “worsening of angina pectoris, arteritis of the lower limbs, as well as the occurrence of a myocardial infarction (or heart attack) or an ischemic type stroke (interruption of blood circulation due to a clot in an artery leading to the brain)“, indicates the health insurance website.
Cold air actually causes an involuntary contraction of blood vessels, promoting “the detachment of atherosclerotic plaques present on the walls of the arteries“.
Beware of Raynaud’s syndrome
Another disease favored by falling temperatures: Raynaud’s syndrome.
“The cold causes a reduction in blood flow, which is manifested by the appearance of pale toes, gradually turning blue, then red“, warns Dr. Kierzek.
This common condition – which affects nearly one in ten French people – can be isolated and/or associated with another illness or medication, specifies the Améli website.
An increase in respiratory and joint diseases
The cold also contributes to the occurrence of respiratory diseases, such as asthma or bronchitis.
“The cold irritates the respiratory tract and closes the bronchi“, explains Dr. Kierzek.
As for joint pain, such as osteoarthritis, they can resurface during the winter.but this phenomenon varies greatly from one person to another.“, adds the medical director of TipsForWomens.
The same goes for autoimmune diseases, which can worsen in certain people and lead to hardening of the skin and connective tissues, or even stiffness, in the joints.
Dr. Kierzek finally adds that “Winter can promote the occurrence of migraine attacks, hives (itching, redness, etc.) and cold sores, but it can also worsen pain and stiffness in people with fibromyalgia..”
In summary, find the list of the main conditions which worsen in cold weather:
- Angina ;
- Arteritis of the lower limbs;
- Myocardial infarction ;
- Ischemic stroke;
- Raynaud’s syndrome;
- Osteoarthritis;
- Asthma;
- Bronchitis ;
- Autoimmune diseases;
- Headache ;
- Hives;
- Herpes labialis;
- Fibromyalgia.