We all know the dangers of working outside in winter and from exposure to low temperature items and environments, such as hypothermia and frostbite. But during February, American Heart Month, we thought it would be a good time to mention the risks to your heart in these types of situations as well.
According to the American Heart Association, exposure to cold air causes blood vessels to constrict, including those that feed oxygenated blood to the heart, which raises blood pressure. People often unconsciously hold their breath when straining to lift heavy loads, including when shoveling snow or salt to spread on ice, which increases both blood pressure and heart rate. Performing job functions with the arms, especially strenuous tasks, is more demanding on the heart than when the legs are used.
Heart-related events are more likely to occur in people when they suddenly take on vigorous activities, especially in those who have relatively sedentary jobs and/or lifestyles, who have had a heart attack or stroke, or in those with underlying conditions including, but not limited to, the following:
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Current/former smoker
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
Winter is also a good time to schedule your biennial First Aid/CPR/AED training, check that your equipment is in good working order, and to ensure any emergency equipment and supplies needed for heart-related episodes are readily available. We regularly schedule fire drills to practice what to do in a spill and/or fire situation, but since it’s cold and potentially snowy outside, February may be the perfect time to perform a medical emergency drill.
Being able to recognize the typical signs of a heart attack and stroke is one of the best ways to prepare for emergencies involving the heart and to help increase the chances of a full recovery when one occurs. Heart attacks cause shortness of breath, chest pressure or pain, and upper body discomfort, including one or both arms, neck, and jaw.
An ischemic stroke is caused by the lack of blood to the brain, most often due to high blood pressure. The signs and symptoms include headache, dizziness, or loss of vision on one side. The acronym FAST is often used to remember how to recognize when someone is having a stroke.
- Face – Is one side of the face drooping or numb? Have the person smile to check.
- Arm – Is one arm weak or numb? Have the person raise both arms. Does one fall downward?
- Speech – Are they able to speak? Is speech slurred or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is it repeated correctly?
- Time – Act quickly! If a person shows symptoms, even if they subside, call 911 and seek medical treatment immediately.
If you need to create or revise your safety and health program to include what to do during a medical emergency, perform emergency equipment (e.g., AED and first aid kit) inspections, or schedule training, we can help, contact us!
This blog was written by Kim E. Folger, Safety Partners’ Senior Training and Development Manager.
