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Brace for a significant drop in temperatures across the UK this week, as health authorities issue warnings for plummeting conditions. <\/p>\n
Residents are advised to wrap up warm before venturing outdoors.<\/p>\n
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has activated an amber cold health alert, specifically targeting the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and the Humber regions. <\/p>\n
Concurrently, a yellow alert has been issued for the remainder of England, with both warnings in effect from midday on Monday until 8am on Friday.<\/p>\n
As the air turns considerably colder, it is natural for extremities such as hands and feet to feel chilly. <\/p>\n
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Having cold hands in winter is somewhat expected – but here are the warning signs something more sinister is going on (Alamy\/PA)<\/p>\n
However, if this cold sensation persists constantly, it could potentially indicate a more serious underlying health concern. <\/p>\n
Dr Sam Firoozi, a consultant interventional cardiologist at HCA Healthcare UK\u2019s The Harley Street Clinic, provided insights into why our hands and feet are especially vulnerable to the cold weather. <\/p>\n
He further detailed the key warning signs that could suggest it is time to seek medical advice.<\/p>\n
What happens to our hands and feet during cold weather?<\/p>\n
\u201cThe blood circulation to the hands and feet is regulated by the autonomic nervous system, which is an involuntary nervous system that we all have,\u201d explains Firoozi. \u201cIts job is to open up the arteries (vasodilation) to encourage more blood flow in warmer weather. Conversely, in the colder weather, this system constricts the small blood vessels in the peripheries [such as our hands and feet] to restrict blood flow (vasoconstriction) to the edges in order to maintain heat and maintain body temperature.\u201d<\/p>\n
Which medical conditions can lead to unusually cold extremities?<\/p>\n
Conditions such as Raynaud\u2019s phenomenon involve an exaggerated response of the autonomic nervous system.<\/p>\n
\u201cRaynaud\u2019s phenomenon is a situation where that constriction in response to cold environments is very much exaggerated,\u201d says Firoozi. \u201cNot only is the circulation poorer, but in some cases circulation can completely shut down causing white or blue discolouration in the fingertips, which can be very painful.\u201d<\/p>\n
There are also other conditions associated with this.<\/p>\n
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A man with Raynaud\u2019s showing his hands (Alamy\/PA)<\/p>\n
\u201cThe conditions that are typically associated with Raynaud\u2019s include scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis and SLE [systemic lupus erythematosus], which an autoimmune condition,\u201d says Firoozi.<\/p>\n
In addition, patients can also experience Raynaud\u2019s phenomenon as a result of a limb injury.<\/p>\n
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