We've heard many times that you can't catch a cold by going out in cold weather. So, that's a myth. But here's what can happen when you're outside, and it's really cold. First, your heart starts working harder.
Cardiologist Daniel Etmundowitz says that puts stress on the cardiovascular system...even in healthy people. So, blood pressure goes up and blood vessels narrow.
"It's not a good thing, we know that blood vessels have a layer of muscle around them that can spasm that muscle and contract…especially under the stress of hitting very cold weather."
Dr. Etmundowitz says bitterly cold weather can be a serious concern for people with asthma and other respiratory diseases because inhaling really cold air can cause rapid narrowing of the airways. This is why it's good to wear a scarf over the mouth to warm the air you breathe.
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