As a severe cold snap grips the nation, the UK Health Security Agency has activated significant health alerts. An amber cold health alert is currently in effect for the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and the Humber. Meanwhile, a yellow alert covers the rest of England, remaining in place from 12pm on Monday 17 November until 8am on Friday.
While chilly fingers and toes are a common winter complaint, medical experts warn that persistent cold extremities could point to an underlying health condition. We consulted Dr Sam Firoozi, a consultant interventional cardiologist at HCA Healthcare UK's The Harley Street Clinic, to understand the risks and identify the key symptoms that warrant a doctor's visit.
Why Your Hands and Feet Feel the Cold Most
Dr Firoozi explains that our body temperature is managed by the autonomic nervous system. This involuntary system widens our blood vessels in warm weather to increase blood flow. However, when temperatures drop, it performs the opposite function. The system constricts the small blood vessels in our peripheries—like our hands and feet—to reduce blood flow to these areas. This process, known as vasoconstriction, helps to preserve core body heat.
Medical Conditions Linked to Cold Extremities
For some individuals, this natural response is dangerously overactive. Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition characterised by an exaggerated reaction to cold. Dr Firoozi states that in such cases, circulation can not just diminish but shut down entirely, leading to stark white or blue discolouration in the fingertips, often accompanied by significant pain.
Raynaud's is frequently associated with other autoimmune conditions, including:
- Scleroderma
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Furthermore, the cardiologist notes that nerve injuries to the limbs can trigger unusual autonomic responses, causing cycles of extreme constriction and dilation. Certain medications, such as beta blockers used for heart conditions, can also induce Raynaud's as a side effect.
Key Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore
So, when should you be concerned? Dr Firoozi advises that temporary numbness in frigid weather is normal. The red flags appear when symptoms are severe or prolonged.
Seek medical advice if you experience any of the following:
- Extreme discolouration of the fingers or toes that takes a long time to fade.
- Permanent changes in the appearance of your fingertips or nails.
- Intense pain, which may manifest as a burning sensation, numbness, or a painful throbbing.
Dr Firoozi also recommends a practical step: "It can be very helpful to take photos of any changes with your smartphone. If it's a new pattern of abnormality, that should be discussed with your GP."
Staying Warm and Managing Symptoms
For general warmth, Dr Firoozi suggests keeping hands warm with gloves or in pockets. He also highlights specialised products like microwaveable heat gels and electrically heated gloves.
For those diagnosed with severe Raynaud's, doctors may prescribe medications like calcium channel blockers to help open up the peripheral arteries. In the most extreme cases, a surgical procedure to interrupt the sympathetic nerve signals causing the constriction can be an option.
As Britain faces a period of intense cold, understanding the difference between normal chill and a potential health signal is crucial for staying safe and well this winter.
