Affected by the cold?: Just wondered if... - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

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Affected by the cold?

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24 Replies

Just wondered if anyone else suffers in the cold with breathlessness as I do?

I never used to suffer this way before my Bypass operation.

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24 Replies
gilreid1 profile image
gilreid1

Hi. Had my triple bypass surgery October 2019. I love playing golf and now I really struggle with the cold but especially if it is windy. Don’t get breathless but seem to hit a wall and run out of energy. Maybe my thin blood not sure.

Just glad that’s all I can complain about.

Take care

Gil

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Spirite in reply to gilreid1

Thanks for that Gil, whilst I know how lucky I have been to learn more from other people’s experiences is a great way of gaining more knowledge of your own condition. I love my golf as well 👍😎Cheers

Ian

Pollypuss profile image
Pollypuss

I played tennis last week and it was just miserable cloud. After my bypass although I feel much better I would give tennis a miss if it becomes very cold. I read somewhere extreme cold and heat doesn’t do us any good.

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Spirite in reply to Pollypuss

Thanks for your reply - very helpful and good luck with the tennis 👍

Wellington19 profile image
Wellington19

Yes i do bit short of breath ,a bit of chest pain ,i have cardiomyopathy and hardening of aortic valve

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Spirite in reply to Wellington19

Thanks for your reply - keep well

Janma123 profile image
Janma123

Hubby was told after his first HA to wear a scarf over his mouth and nose when going out in the cold. He still finds breathing difficult when it’s cold, but particularly when it’s windy. Face masks may help!!

Spirite profile image
Spirite in reply to Janma123

Thanks for the reply - perhaps a scarf or a snood pulled over my mouth and nose will help. If I wear my sunglasses as well I will become incognito 😂😂

45sue profile image
45sue in reply to Janma123

I was also advised by a specialist nurse to wear a scarf over my mouth and nose when going out in the cold -the cold causes the heart to work harder. .

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Spirite in reply to 45sue

Good advice - Thanks for replying

Spirite profile image
Spirite

Thanks for your reply - I’m going to try the mask to see if it helps👊🏻👊🏻

Spirite profile image
Spirite

Thanks for the reply - I hope I can get back to better than before but I need patience. Keep going on the hills it will come and hope the running 🏃🏿‍♂️ keeps going as it is for you.😎

Yes I do, and if it's windy it's doubly horrible. I've found that warming up indoors before going out eg like the exercises in the BHF warm up video, helps. And then plenty of layers - thermal vest, shirt, jumper, fleece, and even gilet fleece is the minimum. Gloves, hat and buff. Look like the Michelin Man but it helps. And thermal socks!

Also take the GTN spray with me and am not afraid to use it, now that I've got over my pride and realise I'm given it to use!

I try to go out for my walk when it's warmed up a bit i.e. after 10.30am

Spirite profile image
Spirite in reply to Heartattackvictim

Thanks for replying - Sometimes you don’t have to care what you look like !!😂

dunestar profile image
dunestar

The cold restricts your blood vessels, so it's harder to breathe. If like me you have microvessels which don't want to open up at the best of times then cold weather is especially challenging.

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Spirite in reply to dunestar

Thanks for the reply - it makes sense what you say.

Hi Spirite,I also have trouble breathing in the cold, like you after the bypass surgery. My doctor warned me not to be out in the cold or the heat of summer,or I wouldn't live long. I've had to quit using my snowblower.

I used to take long walks in the winter and breath in the cool crisp air, but now I try short walks once a week.

It is very destressing to struggle for air when it wasn't a problem before.

Good Luck & Stay Strong.

Best Wishes,

Dusty 68...

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Spirite in reply to

Thanks for the reply - you sound worse than me - How serious can it be for your doctor to say you would not live long if you go out in the heat and cold😧😧 Your Doctor should be giving you helpful advice.

Stay strong 👊🏻👊🏻

Franky17 profile image
Franky17

Hi all I feel the same I was in the cold today and decided I had to run for the warm it got me bad chest went tight felt horrible, I keep waking up with numb fingers,my bedrooms so cold I have to sleep with my head under , soon be spring

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Spirite in reply to Franky17

It’s amazes me how different people’s symptoms are for cold and hot weather. - Thanks for your reply.

Thank You Spirite,For your kind words.

Unfortunately I ended up with severe heart damage and have a short time left.

So I try to encourage or help people with heart issues, Look for the positive in their health.

Enjoying every day has become so important for me, I try to help others to find what's important for them.

Because it can always be Worse.

Enjoy Your Time!

Best Wishes,

Dusty 68....

Spirite profile image
Spirite in reply to

Thanks for your reply again - you are a really helpful person in sharing your experiences to others. It’s important to share knowledge and feelings for others to find an answer to their predicament.

Thanks for your experiences and enjoy the rest of your time.

Ian x

Thanks for posting this question and the interesting replies. Had my bypass in Feb and have found the cold weather to be sapping my energy and making my chest ache. Its comforting to know this is a common issue but also a bit sad we're all in the same position.

Spirite profile image
Spirite in reply to

Yes this chat page is so useful in sharing and gaining knowledge about your own condition and a real comfort for me as well.

Spirite

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