Will the old man's quilt cover be too thick in winter, will it cause heart disease? Experts have given three reasons
On a cold winter day, Lao Zhang came to his son's house in the city to treat a heart attack. Although the home was warm, Lao Zhang still felt unbearable cold and insisted on adding more quilts. The son and daughter-in-law did their best to take care of him and covered him with several layers of heavy quilts at night.
In the middle of the night, a heavy wheezing sound suddenly sounded in the house. The daughter-in-law was woken up by her husband's push, and the two immediately got up to find the source of the sound. It turned out to be Lao Zhang, who was covered under the quilt with a painful expression, apparently having a heart attack. The couple was so anxious that they immediately called the emergency number.
In case of emergency, the doctor arrived in time, and after intense rescue, Lao Zhang's condition was controlled.
1. Understand the relationship between heart disease and temperature
1 Association of winter and heart disease
Winter weather is often accompanied by low temperatures, high humidity, and changes in atmospheric pressure, which can adversely affect people with heart disease. Cold temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, increasing the burden on the heart, especially in older people. This can lead to people with heart disease experiencing worsening symptoms or an increased risk of cardiac events.
Winter weather conditions often have a negative impact on heart patients.
Low temperatures can cause narrowing of blood vessels, increasing the workload on the heart. This is because in a cold environment, the body tries to maintain core body temperature, which can cause peripheral blood vessels to constrict to reduce heat loss. This narrowing of blood vessels increases the resistance of the heart to pumping blood, making it more difficult for the heart to maintain normal blood flow. For people with heart disease, pre-existing cardiovascular problems may be exacerbated as a result.
Changes in atmospheric pressure during the winter months may also adversely affect people with heart disease. A decrease in air pressure often leads to an increase in the effect of air pressure in the heart and blood vessels, which can cause symptoms such as irregular heartbeats or angina.
Winter is often accompanied by high humidity, which can lead to thicker blood, increasing the risk of blood clots in heart patients, which increases the risk of cardiac events.
2 Why do elderly people feel cold easily?
Older people are often more likely to feel cold due to a slowdown in the body's metabolism and decreased ability to regulate body temperature. They may often feel cold and therefore prefer to use heavy comforters during the winter months to raise their body temperature.
First, as we age, the body's metabolic rate slows down, which means that older adults produce relatively less energy. The slowdown in metabolic rate leads to a drop in body temperature, which makes them more susceptible to cold.
Second, older people often have thinner skin and a thinner fat layer, which reduces the body's protection from the cold. The fat layer helps protect blood vessels and nerves while maintaining body temperature. Older people are more likely to feel cold due to fat loss.
In addition, the ability of the elderly to regulate their body temperature is also reduced. Their bodies may not be as flexible as young people to adjust blood flow to cope with cold weather. This makes them more susceptible to feeling cold and needs more warmth.
2. Can an overly thick quilt cause heart disease?
Increased body temperature and increased burden on the heart: Using an excessively thick quilt can cause the body temperature to rise as the body tries to stay warm. This makes the heart need more energy to keep its body temperature stable, which can be an additional burden for an already damaged or chronically ill heart. Older people are often less flexible in regulating their body temperature, so they are more susceptible to the effects of overheating, which can have a detrimental effect on heart health.
Risk of hypoxia: Quilts that are too thick may lead to an increased risk of hypoxia if they do not have adequate air permeability. When the quilt is too airtight and the air cannot circulate, the human body may lack fresh oxygen, which can have serious effects on heart patients. Lack of oxygen can trigger symptoms such as angina pectoris or myocardial infarction, so it's important to make sure your comforter has good air permeability.
Thick quilts are associated with weight: Studies have shown that using too thick quilts may be associated with weight gain. Being too heavy for a body can put a strain on the heart, especially for older people, which can have a negative impact on heart health.
3. How to choose and use quilts correctly
1. Suggestions for the selection of quilts for the elderly
Choose a lightweight but warm comforter: It is best to choose a quilt that is light but warm. This reduces the burden on the heart, as a quilt that is too heavy or too thick can cause the body to overheat, triggering heart problems. Some thin but insulating quilts, such as duvets or quilts made of high-tech insulation, can reduce weight while keeping you warm.
Make sure the comforter is breathable enough: The comforter should have good breathability to ensure that there is no hypoxia when using the comforter. Breathability helps ensure air circulation, helping to maintain healthy breathing and sleep.
Choose the weight of the quilt according to the individual's weight: The weight of the quilt should be chosen according to the individual's weight. Generally speaking, the weight of the quilt should be within a moderate range, and do not use an excessively heavy quilt so as not to increase the burden on the heart. Some quilts will be marked with the applicable season and temperature range, and you can choose based on this information.
Use supplemental warmth on cold nights: If the weather is particularly cold, older adults may consider using an electric blanket or hot water bottle to help keep them warm instead of stacking too many comforters. These aids can provide extra warmth when needed without overburdening the bed.
2. Consult a doctor regularly
Older people with heart disease or other chronic conditions should consult their doctor regularly for personalized advice. Depending on the patient's health condition and needs, the doctor can provide guidance on the selection and use of the quilt. Regular medical consultations can help seniors better manage their heart health and ensure they are taking proper measures to keep warm during the winter months while reducing their risk of heart disease.
It is true that too thick a winter quilt for the elderly may cause heart disease or other health problems, but remember that everything should be decided on an individual basis. Counseling and advice with a doctor will help ensure that seniors stay warm and protect their heart health during the colder season.
