on a shower chair or bending down, straighten up gradually and give yourself a moment before walking.
## 3. Very Cold Water Can Also Stress the Cardiovascular System
Hot water is not the only consideration.
Sudden exposure to very cold water can cause blood vessels to constrict and can temporarily increase cardiovascular workload. More broadly, the American Heart Association reports that both excessive heat and cold can stress the cardiovascular system.
For most people, there is no need to fear ordinary cool water. The concern is more about **abrupt temperature extremes**,