The winter months in the Midwest bring a host of weather changes as the temperature drops to near-freezing. All of this cold, dry air – coupled with more time spent indoors as a result – impacts the body.
We may notice it in small ways, with chapped lips, runny noses and achier joints. But those are just small indicators of our bodies adapting to the cold temperatures and winter conditions.
Here are some of the ways winter affects the body.
How Does Winter Affect the Heart?
A drop in temperature can cause the blood vessels to constrict and become narrower. Which means when it’s cold outside, the heart must work harder to pump blood throughout the body. This can also contribute to increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and thickening of the blood.
The added stress on the heart can increase the risk of heart issues, especially for those with existing heart conditions or for older adults.
How Does Winter Affect the Lungs?
Cold weather is an issue not because of the cold temperatures itself. The issue is the moisture content: cold air tends to hold less moisture than warm air. And escaping the dry air in the winter can be difficult: often indoor air is incredibly dry, as we crank up the thermostats to combat the freezing temperatures outside.
Cold weather is a common asthma trigger. The cold air outside can cause the airways in your body to swell up – making them narrower. This makes it harder for air to pass through to the lungs. The cold air can also cause the muscles in the body to tighten up and clamp down, also preventing air from passing through. People with asthma have sensitive bronchial tubes that can be easily irritated, resulting in asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.