Cold Temps And Outdoor Exertion Can Trigger Heart Attack

Officials are reminding residents that working outdoors in frigid temperatures could trigger a heart attack with very little warning. The cold air constricts blood vessels, while the work itself can rapidly increase both heart rate and blood pressure.  The result can be a heart attack or an abnormal heart rhythm – even in people with no known heart disease.   Older adults are especially susceptible, as are those who are obese, or have heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes.  These types of episodes often occur when people are shoveling snow.