On a cold winter morning, you may find yourself wrapped up tightly, trying to find some warmth in the biting cold wind. But have you ever noticed that as the temperature drops, your heart also seems to start sending unusual signals? Many middle-aged and elderly people experience chest tightness, difficulty breathing, or mild angina pectoris during the winter months, as if the cold not only attacks our bodies, but also challenges our hearts. What is the reason behind this? Why does our heart become "rattle" when the weather is cold? 
As the temperature drops, our bodies have to adjust to the changes in the environment. This adjustment is especially important for middle-aged and older people, especially when it comes to heart health. Direct impact of cold air In winter, the cold climate causes our blood vessels to constrict to reduce heat loss and maintain body temperature. However, this vasoconstriction also means that the heart needs to pump harder to overcome greater resistance. For middle-aged and elderly people with pre-existing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, this increased burden may induce heart attack or angina. Middle-aged and older adults with a double burden of high-risk groups, especially those with high blood pressure, abnormal glucose metabolism (diabetes) or a history of pre-existing heart disease, need to pay special attention to their heart health during the winter months. Cold weather not only increases their risk of heart attack, but it can also exacerbate pre-existing conditions, as the stress on the heart to work in the cold is greatly increased. Practical impact: Data and research studies have shown a clear correlation between cold weather and increased rates of heart disease. The incidence of heart disease is higher in winter, especially on days when temperatures plummet. This is not only because of the physiological effects of low temperature on blood vessels, but also because of the combined effect of multiple factors such as reduced winter activities and changes in dietary habits. The Winter Rules for Heart Health Once you've learned how cold weather can affect your heart, it's important to take precautions. This includes proper indoor and outdoor warmth, avoiding strenuous exercise in extremely cold weather, and maintaining a healthy diet that avoids high-fat and high-sugar foods, while maintaining a moderate amount of physical activity to promote blood circulation. 
When the heart encounters an emergency, such as angina or a heart attack, it is crucial to take the right action immediately. These steps can help stabilize the situation and buy valuable time for rescuers to arrive. Stay calm and immediately stop any physical activity: The first step is for the patient to stop all activity and sit or lie down, reducing the strain on the heart. Call first aid**: Regardless of the severity of symptoms, call your local first aid** immediately. Provide accurate information and the patient's condition during the call. Loosen tight clothing: Make sure the patient's collar, belt, or any tight clothing that may restrict breathing is loosened to aid breathing. Maintain good air circulation: Make sure the patient is in an environment with good air circulation, and if the room is not well ventilated, open windows to let in fresh air. Cardiac resuscitation (CPR): If the person is unconscious and not breathing or is breathing abnormally (if there is only wheezing), CPR is started immediately and continued until a medical professional takes over. For people with heart disease or at high risk, carrying two medications can save lives in an emergency: nitroglycerin and aspirin. Nitroglycerin: The mechanism of action of the "quick-acting heart-saving pill" for emergency heart: Nitroglycerin can rapidly dilate blood vessels, reduce the burden on the heart, and relieve angina symptoms. How to Use: In case of chest pain, place nitroglycerin under your tongue as directed and allow it to dissolve quickly. If symptoms do not resolve within 5 minutes, it can be used again, but if symptoms do not improve after three consecutive uses, you should seek medical attention immediately. Precautions: Avoid using nitroglycerin in hypotensive situations as it may cause further drops in blood pressure. Aspirin: The "Patron Saint" of Heart ProtectionMechanism of Action: Aspirin helps prevent blood clots by inhibiting platelet aggregation, thereby reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Emergency use: Chewing and swallowing a low-dose (usually 81 mg) aspirin when a heart attack is suspected can slow the formation of blood clots and expand the window of treatment. 
Precautions: In the absence of a history of allergies or in the absence of a physician's specific contraindication, aspirin may be used in most** emergency situations. However, aspirin should be avoided for people with certain medical conditions, such as certain types of bleeding disorders.