As the weather gets colder, various cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as angina pectoris have entered a period of high incidence. Why does cold bring so much trouble to patients with angina pectoris? It is because human blood vessels expand and contract with temperature changes. When the temperature is relatively high in summer, blood vessels swell and thicken, increasing the lumen of the blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow smoothly. When the temperature gradually drops in autumn and winter, the blood vessels slowly shrink and become thinner when exposed to coldness, and the lumen is also compressed and becomes smaller.

Patients with arteriosclerosis have poor blood vessel elasticity, thick vessel walls, and thin lumen. When the temperature drops, the blood flow rate becomes slower. The consequence of this is that the entire vascular system of the patient will have insufficient blood supply, causing damage to the vascular endothelium. It promotes apoptosis of vascular endothelium and plaque shedding, resulting in vascular embolism and life-threatening consequences.

In addition, people tend to reduce their activities due to the coldness, and the blood perfusion of the brain, myocardium, and internal organs is also reduced. At this time, when the elderly have insufficient water intake, the blood viscosity rises, increasing the vascular resistance and blood pressure, and thrombosis may be easily formed. This increases the chance of myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular disease. Therefore, when the cold wave suddenly comes every year and the temperature drops sharply, there will be a sudden increase in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular accidents in patients.

Here are some tips from Beijing 120. As the temperature gradually drops, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular patients should pay special attention to keeping warm to avoid the stimulation of severe cold. While adding clothes in time, it is necessary to “keep the heart warm” by taking medicines scientifically and timely to protect the vascular endothelium and do a good job in the primary prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. If you feel unwell, it is necessary to call 120 and seek medical attention promptly.