Hi.I had a stent fitted in 2010 following a 90% blocked lower descending heart artery. Am on the usual daily meds: asiprin, candersarten, bisoprolol (1/2 tablet) and statins.
In the recent winter months l have noticed that when l am outside (not being very active) that l slowly start to feel unwell...
Even if l'm well wrapped up clothes wise and l've had hot drinks and eaten hot food.
I wanted to ask if many people have the same problem?. Whats your experience - any advice appreciated.
I could limit my time / exposure to cold weather but l enjoy fresh air / being outside!
Thanks
Paul
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Paul-l
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Hi Paul. Post MIs in 2018, I went down the research rabbit hole of how to prevent them occurring again, and one thing I discovered is that our hearts do not like the cold (they don’t like the heat, either, but that’s for another time). Basically, it causes the blood vessels around the body to constrict to force the blood away from our extremities so that it moves back to the more important bits to keep them warm (it’s why your hands start freezing first). As you and I know from experience, constricted blood vessels are not a good thing!
Unfortunately, we can’t really avoid it if we’re outside in winter, so obviously we need to wrap up as warm as possible. But, what else I discovered, is that the main trigger isn’t the temp of our skin but the temp of the air we’re breathing in. So, I bought a face mask to wear outside so that the air I breathed in was warmer and moister, and haven’t had any issues in the cold since. Not a surgical mask btw - like a proper one made out of material that covers most of your face. People used to look at me weird in the street, but by the time COVID rolled round I blended right in!
Breathing in cold air can be a problem. I was advised to wear a mask outside, even when it was no longer mandatory, to help warm the air. A thin scarf across the mouth & nose is an alternative, but make sure it's not too thick, like I did once.
Hi Paul, you say you begin to feel unwell but in what way? Lethargy, breathlessness, dizzy? You’re best to visit the gp since this is new to you. Get it checked. Maybe one of your meds need changing. We can become intolerant in time to some of them. Take care
Yes I can relate to that - As Davey77 mentioned I was also given this advice and definitely noticed that the cold air started to make me feel odd - I’m now 2 years post HA and noticed this year that the cold didn’t have quite the same effect it did but understand it’s breathing in the cold air and may constrict your veins/arteries
Heart attack and 2 stents. I have to wrap up really well especially the top half of my body and wrap a scarf around my mouth. Breathing in cold air really affects me. However you don't say what you mean by unwell. I would say you need to see your GP.
Hi Paul, I take bisoprolol full tablet each day, but I don’t take aspirin anymore because I also take edoxaban to thin my blood. I don’t have a stent either.
I haven’t experienced any coldness with taking bisoprolol but I have always a dry mouth.
Sorry I’m not much help, but if I were you I would ask my doctor if this is a side effect of your tablets.
Thamks for your advice. To explain further l have been getting stomach pains and feeling very lethargic when l get cold when non active and outside. At its worst it is like at least a 50% reduction in enery levels. If this makes sense?. I have cut out gluten in my diet to see if it makes any difference. I will now talk with my doctor as the issue is not getting better....
Hi Paul, I do not feel unwell in the cold and as others have said I would recommend discussing with your GP. I would say though, I feel the cold a lot more since having stents back in autumn 2021 and being on the medication that comes with that (also it maybe the weight loss), so much so that I am sadly debating if to renew my football season ticket next season, as it takes me forever to warm up after sitting out at games in November, December, January etc. Maybe we both need to buy one of those heated gilets you can get!
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