The recent cold weather spell across Ireland has made me stop and think more carefully about how winter affects my health, not just in obvious ways, but in quieter, more subtle ones too.
Living with heart disease means I’ve learned that even small changes in weather or environment can have a knock-on effect on how I feel.
Winter isn’t just about colder temperatures. It’s about how the body reacts to the cold, how our homes change once the heating goes on, and how moving between outdoor and indoor environments can impact us over the course of a day.
How Cold Weather Affects My Heart
When it’s cold, I can feel my body working harder. Cold air causes blood vessels to narrow, which can push blood pressure higher and make the heart work harder than usual. For someone like me, already living with heart disease, that extra strain matters.
Even going out for a simple walk in cold weather can feel different. What would normally be gentle exercise suddenly feels more demanding, especially if there’s a cold wind or icy air. It’s a reminder that winter puts extra pressure on the cardiovascular system, even when we’re doing everyday things.
It’s Not Just the Cold – Dry Air Plays a Role Too
One thing I’ve noticed recently is nosebleeds, and I don’t think it’s down to one single cause. Walking outdoors in cold, dry air is one part of it. But coming home to central heating and an open fire, while comforting means breathing in very dry indoor air for hours at a time.
That constant shift from cold outdoor air to warm, dry indoor air can irritate the lining of the nose. Delicate blood vessels can dry out and crack, making nosebleeds more likely. When you factor in blood-thinning medication, which many of us with heart disease take, those nosebleeds can happen more easily and last longer.
For me, this has been a reminder that winter health isn’t just about the temperature on the thermometer, it’s also about humidity, heating, and how our living spaces change at this time of year.
Why Winter Feels Harder When You’re Living With Heart Disease
Over time, I’ve realised that winter brings a combination of challenges:
- My heart has to work harder just to keep my body warm
- Blood pressure can creep up without me noticing
- Activity levels naturally drop, even though movement is important
- Dry air from heating and fires can cause irritation, nosebleeds, and discomfort
- Colds and infections seem more common and can knock me back more than they once did
None of these things on their own are dramatic, but together they can chip away at how well I feel.
What I’m Trying to Be More Mindful Of This Winter
I’m learning that small adjustments can make a difference:
- Dressing properly for the cold, even for short walks
- Slowing down and not pushing myself too hard outdoors
- Paying attention to indoor air: not letting the house become overly dry
- Drinking enough water, even when I don’t feel thirsty
- Taking nosebleeds as a signal, not just an inconvenience
- Listening to my body and respecting its limits
Living with heart disease has taught me that awareness is one of the most important tools I have.
Final Thoughts
Winter in Ireland is something we all live with, but for those of us with heart disease, it can bring added risks and unexpected symptoms. Cold weather, dry air, central heating, and open fires all play a part in how our bodies cope during the colder months.
Sharing experiences like this isn’t about fear, it’s about understanding. The more aware I am of how winter affects my heart and overall health, the better equipped I feel to look after myself and get through the season safely.
