Preparing For Autumn With CVD: A Chill In The Air
Looking outside, the grass and leaves in the courtyard outside my window are still a vibrant green in early August due to the rather impressive amount of rain we have received lately. But the signs of red-tipped leaves harkening a gilded autumn have begun to peek through the emerald sheen. While sitting at my desk working on a new paper I hope to publish, I noticed a particular chill coming through my open window. Without thinking, I went to my closet to pull out a sweater before making some raspberry and vanilla tea with lemon and mint. Only upon returning to my desk with my warm drink in hand did I pause and look at my computer with the idea of writing this article suddenly popping into my head.
After spending the last month or so discussing summer sports and food and having already discussed the impact of winter on those with CVD in an earlier article, I was curious if autumn, with all its bright colors and harvest festivals, could also impact those with heart disease and, if so, how? It turns out that yes, autumn is a potentially harsh time of year if you have heart disease and you should be aware of three main factors: atmospheric pressure change, temperature change, and consequential emotional shifts that contribute to this seasonal danger.
The article, How to Protect the Cardiovascular System in the Fall: Recommendations and Tips by Natalia Kandybey discusses concerns people with heart disease face during this chilly time of year. While the vibrant colors of autumn painting the trees in shades of crimson and gold do inspire people to walk and explore the outdoors, the changes of the atmospheric pressure may be a concern for some people with cardiovascular issues, especially the elderly. According to the article, “changes in atmospheric pressure, which are common during the autumn months, can have a negative impact on the cardiovascular system. A drop in atmospheric pressure reduces the amount of oxygen reaching organs and tissues, including the heart. This causes the heart to work harder, which can cause an increase in symptoms in people with heart disease” (Kandybey, 2023). Because of this, the months of autumn, which are generally September - October, but could be earlier depending on the region and climate, may cause more physical stress on the bodies of those with CVD than those without the illness.
While sadly, very little can be done to retain the normalcy of the earth’s atmospheric systems, it is best to focus on what can be done to prepare ourselves for these seasonal changes. This includes not pushing yourself too hard and maintaining your health as much as possible through diet and reasonable exercise so that the changing atmospheric pressure has as little significant impact on your cardiovascular system as possible.
Furthermore, “autumn temperature fluctuations can also increase the risk to heart patients. A cold snap can cause vascular cramps, which complicates normal blood circulation. This can lead to a deterioration in the blood supply to the heart and, as a result, pain in the heart area” (Kandybey, 2023). Considering this, it is recommended that a person with CVD do their utmost to regulate one’s blood circulation by staying warm this time of year.
This reminds me of my time in China and the local traditions regarding the importance of warmth to ones overall health. While I was working in a tropical environment, whenever I was sick (which given the rampant pollution and exposure to ill students) was quite often, my boss told me to drink hot water. This advice remained constant regardless of the weather conditions or my health. It was not just tea, but sometimes even just plain hot water. She said it maintains good circulation and therefore better general health. Even when I left the company to earn my Master’s degree, she gave me a cup that said, “喝热水” or “Drink Hot Water,” emphasizing its significance of this age-old pracicice to the point where it is basicly just culturally-centered, common-sense.
Although it’s been about seven years since I left China, I still drink warm water even when I’m not sick. I find it to be soothing whether or not it is flavored by tea leaves. That is why, as the days grow cooler, I would recommend regulating one’s body temperature and maintaining one’s health by drinking warm water or tea along with wearing warm clothes and a scarf when you venture outside.
However, another aspect of autumn that could impact people with CVD is how “autumn is often associated with reduced daylight and changes in daily routine. This can increase stress and anxiety, which in turn puts extra strain on the heart. Stress can cause symptoms to increase and increase the risk of heart attacks” (Kandybey, 2023). A variety of factors contribute to this increase in stress, but luckily there are a few ways to regulate it and, by doing so, better preserve and monitor one’s cardiovascular health as a result.
Now, this shift in daylight hours is more prominent in different parts of the world, particularly the north where, like in Germany, the sun can set around 3pm (15:00), which is earlier than those in the southern areas of the world. One potential cause for this emotional change associated with this time of year is how the lessening of daytime hours can lead to a noticeable decrease in sun exposure. This causes one’s vitamin D levels to drop, leading to an increase of stress, anxiety, and depression. This is fairly common in the northern half of the hemisphere like Europe.
Of course, one should discuss adding a vitamin D supplement with their cardiologist/physician before they begin taking it. But, during my time in Germany, especially the autumn and winter months, I have found this to be personally beneficial for managing my season-based mood changes and have had it often recommended to me by locals, which like the warm water, appears to be regional common knowledge.
Another way I handle the changing daylight hours is that I wear a sleep mask which helps me get my rest regardless of whatever time the sun rises. Granted, my mechanical heart valves make sleep difficult just on principle, but if one can’t change the world, one should do their best to accommodate to it in whatever way you can, at least in my opinion.
While summer months are objectively better for heart health, as has been a theme with my recent articles, nothing is perfect. Even though summer is better for excesise and for fresh foods, it is not perfect. While the autumn might not be as dire and cold and potentially isolating as winter, there are still seasonal factors to consider. Particularly autumn’s atmospheric pressure change, temperature change, and consequential emotional shifts. However, while these are dangerous aspects of the season, it is important to remember that this danger can be mitigated by monitering ones health and exclusively not by isolating and avoiding the beauty of this upcoming, stunningly goreous time of year. Rather, one must make a few accomodations to do it safely. For example: wear a scarf when you step outside to enjoy the changing leaves, drink warm cider and tea when you get a chill, and try to maintain as much of your routine as possible to avoid unnecessary stress. Embrace this colorful seasonal change, bu remember to do so at your own pace.
What about you? What’s your favorite season?
Keep ticking, everyone!
Reference list
Kandybey, N. (2023). How to Protect the Cardiovascular System in the Fall: Recommendations and Tips. [online] VIOLA. Available at: https://violapharm.com/en/how-to-protect-the-cardiovascular-system-in-the-fall-recommendations-and-tips/ [Accessed 6 Aug. 2025].
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