Managing Heart Failure in Cold Weather: Winter Warning Signs

Q: Is cold weather bad for heart failure patients?

Yes, cold weather can be bad for people with preexisting heart conditions. Low temperature can cause vasoconstriction, thicken blood, raise blood pressure, and cause lung infection, which can make your heart work harder.

Cold weather and the heart condition, is there any connection? Let's explore.

Heart failure Congestive heart failure, happens when the heart muscle (cardiac muscle or the myocardium) doesn't pump blood adequately as it should. When this occurs, blood often backs up and fluid can build up in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath.

Types of congestive heart failure include:

Left-sided heart failure
Right-sided heart failure
High-output heart failure (a rare type of congestive heart failure)

What Is the Rate of Heart Failure in India?

The prevalence of heart failure in India is approximately 1.3 to 4.6 million cases, with a yearly incidence of 491,600 to 1.8 million cases.

What are the Causes of Heart Failure in India

The Best Cardiologist at Artemis Cardiac Care says there are several causes of heart failure, such as

Coronary artery disease and/or heart attack
Genetic or viral cardiomyopathy
Heart issues present at birth
A body mass index (BMI) above 30
Tobacco and recreational drug use
Alcohol abuse
Medications such as cancer drugs (chemotherapy)
Uncontrolled diabetes
High blood pressure
Irregular heart rhythm
Kidney condition

The Risk Factors of Heart Failure

Here are some of the risk factors:

Cold weather
Age above 65
Sedentary lifestyle
High fat consumption and salt intake
family history of congestive heart failure
Preexisting coronary artery disease

Let's explore how cold weather can increase the risk of heart disease, like heart failure.

How Winters Can Increase the Risk of Heart Failure | The Possible Reasons

Cold weather in winter can be especially risky for individuals who already have hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or a history of heart disease. It does not directly cause heart failure, but it can trigger the existing condition.

Here are some possible ways in which winters can contribute to the risk of heart failure.

1. Vasoconstriction

Cold temperature makes blood vessels narrow to keep the body warm. This can raise blood pressure, and the heart pumps harder, increasing the risk of heart failure

2. Raised Blood Pressure

Raising blood pressure over time can decrease the heart's pumping ability.

3. Increased Chances of Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections in colds can inflame the lungs, making breathing tougher. This can add stress to your heart.

4. Less Physical Movement

People tend to move less in winter and stay indoors more in winter, leading to weight gain. This can make heart muscles weaker.

5. More Fight-or-flight Response

Cold stimulates your body's fight-or-flight response or sympathetic nervous system (SNS). This releases more stress hormones, which speed up the heart rate.

6. Increase Risk of Blood Clotting

The winter season causes dehydration, which can encourage body changes that can increase clot formation, blocking the heart's blood flow.

7. Poor Air Quality

Winter air traps pollutants in it, which can cause inflamed vessels and accelerate heart weakening.

8. Vitamin D Deficiency

Winters mean less exposure to sunlight and low vitamin D levels. This can decrease the health of heart muscle strength and blood vessels.

Note: These do not directly cause heart failure but can increase the chances by triggering certain changes in the body. If you have a heart condition, consult your doctor for the right management tips for the winter season.

What are the Winter Tips to Lower Heart Failure Risk

If you have a preexisting heart condition, follow your best cardiologist's advice only.

Tip	What to Do	Heart Benefit
Dress in Layers	Wear warm layers, hat, scarf, gloves	Keeps heat, lowers heart strain
Stay Hydrated	Drink 8–10 glasses of water/tea	Improves blood flow, lowers clot risk
Exercise Indoors	Do yoga, stretch, or walk 30 mins	Strengthens heart safely
Eat Healthy	Eat fruits, veggies, whole grains, fish	Lowers cholesterol, protects arteries
Monitor BP	Check blood pressure weekly	Prevents heart damage
Flu Vaccine	Get yearly flu shot	Reduces heart stress from illness
Manage Stress	Practice breathing or meditation	Keeps heart rate steady
Sleep Well	Sleep 7–8 hours nightly	Supports heart recovery
Avoid Smoking	Quit tobacco	Improves vessel health
Limit Alcohol	Drink in moderation	Prevents irregular heartbeat
Warm Up	Do light movement before activity	Prevents sudden heart strain

What Are the 4 Stages of Congestive Heart Failure?

Here are the 4 stages:

1. Stage A (Pre-heart Failure)

There is a high risk of developing heart failure due to family conditions and other risk factors.

2. Stage B (Pre-heart Failure)

The left ventricle isn’t working well. But there are no symptoms.

3. Stage C

Congestive heart failure diagnosis. There can currently be or previously have been signs and symptoms of the condition.

4. Stage D and Reduced EF (the Final Stage of Heart Failure)

Presence of advanced symptoms that don’t get better with treatment.

How the Best Cardiologists Diagnose Congestive Heart Failure

The best heart doctor may diagnose the condition through comprehensive tests like

Blood tests
Cardiac catheterization
Chest X-ray
Cardiac computed tomography (CT)
Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
Multigated Acquisition Scan (MUGA scan)
Stress test
Genetic testing
Echocardiogram
Heart MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure | The Warning Signs

The symptoms may vary from person to person; some of the common symptoms are:

Short of breath.
Chest pain.
Swelling in the ankles, legs, and abdomen.
Gain in weight.
Frequent urination while resting at night.
A dry, hacking cough.
Bloating.
Loss of appetite.
Upset stomach (nausea).
Heart palpitations.
Fatigue while working.

Best Heart Hospital Near Me | Artemis Cardiac Care

Artemis Heart Care is known for its Clinical and Surgical Outcomes for heart health. We ensure the best possible cardiac care, backed by a team of skilled cardiologists and cardiac surgeons like Dr. Rajesh Kumar Jha and Dr. Gurkirat Singh Sidhu. We use conservative as well as conventional treatments to offer you comprehensive care.

How to contact us?
+91 9070902010, info@artemiscardiac.com

Explore the success stories here.

FAQs

Q1: Is Cold weather bad for Heart failure patients ?

A: Yes, Cold weather can be bad for people with preexisting Heart conditions. Low temperature can cause vasoconstriction, thicken blood, raise blood pressure, and cause lung infection, which can make your heart work harder.

Q2: Has anyone lived 20 years with Heart failure ?

A: Yes, there are many cases where people with heart failure live for 20 years or more.

Q3: Which weather is bad for Heart patients ?

A: Both extreme cold and extreme heat, along with high humidity, are bad for individuals with existing heart conditions.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational use only and does not serve as a replacement for professional advice. For the best cardiac health outcome, contact your Cardiologist only.