Who is at risk of a heart attack after ice cream?

Ice cream in hot weather can become a "trigger" for a heart attack in some people, warned cardiologist Irina Tarasova in a conversation with "Gazeta.Ru".

"A heart attack can quite possibly occur under the influence of cold - after ice cream, cold soda, sudden temperature changes, for example, after a contrast shower or jumping into icy water," the doctor warned.

She explained this by the fact that sudden cold can cause spasm of the vessels that supply the heart. A healthy person will not feel pain, but if the vessels are altered, for example, affected by atherosclerosis, their spasm may occur and, as a result, myocardial ischemia.

"This phenomenon is called 'vasospastic angina'. Spasms can be provoked not only by cold, but also by smoking, energy drinks, stress. Due to hormonal fluctuations, adrenaline release, attacks of vasospastic angina often occur in the early morning hours," the cardiologist emphasized.

According to her, the risk group includes men over 40, women in menopause, people with hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, excess weight, smokers. As well as anyone who has already experienced chest pain or shortness of breath, and those whose close relatives have had a heart attack or stroke.

"It is precisely because of the spasm of the arteries that supply blood to the heart that ice cream can become a 'trigger' for a heart attack. It does not cause a heart attack, but sometimes it can show that not everything is in order with the heart and a thorough examination is necessary," the specialist explained.

In conclusion, Tarasova urged people to periodically undergo examinations by a cardiologist, even if nothing is bothering them. And if something is bothering them - to do it as soon as possible.