Many people believe that exercising in cool or cold weather will be more comfortable for the body. However, according to cardiologists, both hot and cold weather can cause the heart to work harder, but according to different mechanisms.
According to Dr. Pawan Poddar, Director of Cardiovascular Department and Interventional Cardiologist at Yashoda Hospital (Hyderabad, India), ambient temperatures significantly affect the heart's response when exercising. When the body has to adapt to temperatures that are too high or too low, the cardiovascular system will have to adjust to maintain stable temperatures.
How does the heart work when it's hot?
When exercising in hot weather, especially around 30°C or higher, the body will increase blood flow to the skin to dissipate heat. This process forces the heart to pump faster to provide oxygen to the muscles and support body cooling.
Dr. Amitabh Poonia, a cardiologist at Kailash Deepak Hospital (India), said that this circulatory change significantly increases heart rate compared to exercising in cool weather conditions.
In addition, sweating a lot can cause dehydration, making blood thicker and making the heart work harder. Therefore, even when exercising at moderate intensity, exercisers are also more likely to feel tired in hot weather.
How does cold weather affect the heart?
In cold environments, the body will contract peripheral blood vessels to retain heat and protect important organs. This increases resistance in the circulatory system, forcing the heart to pump blood with greater pressure.
According to Dr. Irfan Yaqoob, Head of Cardiology at Kailash Hospital (Dehradun, India), this vasoconstriction can increase blood pressure and create more pressure on the cardiovascular system, especially in people with heart disease or high blood pressure.
How to protect your heart when exercising seasonally
Experts recommend drinking enough water and supplementing electrolytes when exercising in hot weather, and avoiding exercise during hot sunny times.
In cold weather, warming up thoroughly and keeping the body warm helps the cardiovascular system adapt better to physical activity.
Dr. Poddar added that people with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure or diabetes should consult a doctor before exercising in harsh temperature conditions.
In general, whether exercising in summer or winter, understanding how the heart reacts to temperature will help you maintain a safe exercise habit and protect cardiovascular health for a long time.
