Gusts of wind are more than just an unpleasant weather phenomenon that can spoil your walk. Experts say that due to climate change, its impact on health is increasing significantly. Research shows that it affects the human body much more than just the feeling of cold, affecting the cardiovascular system, metabolism and mental well-being.
- Strong winds can significantly endanger human health.
- Even a slight wind cools the skin and triggers the whole body’s defense reactions.
- Narrowing of blood vessels in cold wind increases the burden on the heart and the risk of a heart attack.
- Cold wind increases the level of adrenaline and noradrenaline, promotes hypertension and metabolic disorders.
Air movement accelerates heat loss through the skin. Researchers have found that even a slight wind reduces the temperature of the skin on the face and hands, especially in cold conditions. However, according to experts, signals from receptors sensing a thermal threat trigger defensive reactions throughout the body, not just in exposed areas.
Strong wind has a negative effect on health. (illustrative photo)
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Cardiovascular health
One of the first reactions of the body is the narrowing of blood vessels in the skin and limbs. This defense mechanism reduces heat loss, but at the same time increases resistance in blood vessels. It means the heart has to work harder to pump blood to the areas it needs. In elderly people or people with hypertension or ischemic heart disease, exposure to strong and cold wind can increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
Experts also point out that strong winds act as an amplifier of environmental stress. Although it rarely causes cardiovascular problems on its own, it greatly increases the risk when combined with factors such as low temperature, humidity or physical exertion.
The wind also affects a person’s metabolism. Accelerated heat loss forces the body to produce more energy, which increases the need for oxygen and nutrients. While it can improve calorie burning in healthy people, in people with metabolic disorders such as diabetes, this can negatively affect blood sugar control.
Physiologists point out that the cold wind also increases the level of stress hormones, namely adrenaline and noradrenaline. They speed up the heart rate, increase blood pressure and mobilize energy reserves. But if people are exposed to such conditions for a long time, it often leads to chronic hypertension and metabolic disorders.
Strong winds can impair the function of many systems in the body. (illustrative photo)
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Strong winds also have a negative impact on mental health. Studies confirm that such weather is associated with difficulties in communication, spatial disorientation and an increased sense of loss of control, which activates the stress axis involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and adrenal glands.
The body’s reaction to the mechanical and sound stimuli of the wind is mainly an increase in the cortisol level. Despite the fact that this stress hormone improves alertness, chronic exposure damages immunity, metabolism and mental health.
Doctors conclude that hurricanes, gales and storms cause not only visible damage, but also long-term health consequences. Records from the US National Institutes of Health indicate that after strong winds, the number of hospitalizations increases, not only as a result of injuries, but also for heart, respiratory and mental illnesses.
This article comes from the Ringier publishing partner website. The content and data contained in it were taken without editorial intervention.
