Hi,I am Dr. Prabhakar Koregol (Cardiologist). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
Is Exercise During Cold Weather Harmful When Diagnosed With A Heart Condition?
Hi. I was told by a friend of mine who had a stent put in recently and is attending a cardio rehab class at her hospital something I had never heard of before. The instructor told the class in a session recently that people with heart conditions should not do heavy aerobic exercise when the temperature dips below 40 degrees Fahrenheit because it makes the heart work harder and therefore should be avoided. I had never heard that one before. I have atrial fib but am doing well on the meds. I am used to doing walking sessions of about an hour. Well, the temperature is below 40 much of the time and I cannot always wait for it to get warmer. Isn t making sure that one is properly dressed for the cold adequate?? Thanks.
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that the instructor refers to patients suffering from coronary artery disease, when giving these advices. It is not the same with atrial fibrillation, because cold weather dose not make any harm in such patients. In the contrary, hot weather with high humidity may lead to increase sweating and thus electrolyte imbalances, which may trigger cardiac arrhythmia in these patients.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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Is Exercise During Cold Weather Harmful When Diagnosed With A Heart Condition?
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. I passed carefully through your question and would explain that the instructor refers to patients suffering from coronary artery disease, when giving these advices. It is not the same with atrial fibrillation, because cold weather dose not make any harm in such patients. In the contrary, hot weather with high humidity may lead to increase sweating and thus electrolyte imbalances, which may trigger cardiac arrhythmia in these patients. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.