The impact of the interaction between energy and sodium metabolism imbalance and cold environment on cardiovascular health

Abstract

Cold exposure is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and is closely associated with disturbances in energy and sodium metabolism. This environmental stress or adversely impacts cardiovascular health by disrupting metabolic homeostasis and sodium ion balance. In this review, we systematically examine the pathophysiological mechanisms by which cold exposure aggravates cardiovascular injury, including alterations in glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition to triggering transient physiological responses such as vasospasm and elevated blood pressure, cold exposure can induce abnormalities in lipid metabolism and impair sodium homeostasis, thereby promoting systemic metabolic disturbances that affect cardiac and vascular structure and function. Consequently, susceptibility to myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure is markedly increased. Furthermore, the paper delves into the compounded adverse cardiovascular effects of the high-salt, high-fat dietary patterns commonly observed in cold northern regions. Based on recent research, this review proposes targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies, including environmental adaptation, lifestyle modification, and optimization of pharmacological management. These insights may provide important guidance for the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases in cold climates.