Winter Heart Alert: Why Cold Weather Raises Heart Attack and Stroke Risk

Winters are known for their cold temperature, snowfalls in many regions, cozy indoor activities, and holidays like Christmas, New Year. You may be enjoying all these, but here is a lesser-known fact about these winter reasons, i.e., they can increase heart-related issues and stroke, especially in those 65 and older. Keep reading to know.

Cold Weather Affects Heart Health | Why | The Reasons

The winter season may trigger many physiological changes in the body that can affect the functioning or health of your heart.

Here are the changes:

1. Narrowing of Blood Vessel (Peripheral Vasoconstriction)

Cold temperature triggers the narrowing of blood vessels, especially in limbs, to conserve core body heat. This causes high blood pressure and forces the heart to work harder to pump blood, increasing the risk, especially in pre-existing heart conditions​

2. Increased Heart Rate & Blood Pressure

Winter increases heart rate and blood pressure to maintain blood circulation and warmth. This puts unnecessary strain on heart conditions, potentially leading to attacks or strokes.​

3. Increased Blood Clotting Risk

In cold temperatures, blood becomes thicker as platelets clump more easily, leading to clotting. This can block arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks or strokes.​

4. Hormonal Changes

In winter, your body can release hormones such as adrenaline in response to cold temperatures. This puts unnecessary pressure on the heart, worsening angina or ischemia.​

5. Hypothermia Threat

Long-term cold exposure decreases body temperature, reducing metabolism and putting stress on the heart muscle. This can increase the risk of a heart condition, especially in vulnerable populations.

It has been observed that individuals with coronary heart disease often suffer angina pectoris (chest pain or discomfort) when exposed to cold weather.

Who is at Higher Risk in the Winter Season?

People with the following conditions or habits are at higher risk of cardiovascular health conditions in winter:

• Coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmia
• Smoking
• High Blood Pressure
• Diabetes
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity and high bad cholesterol levels
• Respiratory infections
• Older adults (over 65)

How Cold Weather Affects Heart Health

Cold weather puts pressure on your heart due to the following physiological changes:

• Blood Vessel Constriction
• Increased Heart Rate
• Increased Heart Workload
• Make Blood Thicker
• Reduced Oxygen Supply to the Heart

All these can trigger abnormal heart health conditions and increase the risk of heart attacks, angina, and arrhythmias, particularly in vulnerable groups.

Common Heart Conditions in India During Winter

Here are the possible heart conditions that individuals of the vulnerable groups can experience:

• Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
• Angina (Chest Pain)
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
• Heart Failure
• Arrhythmias (Irregular Heartbeats)
• Stroke

How to Lower the Risk of Heart Attack & Stroke | The Winter Tips

If you have a preexisting heart- and blood vessel-related condition, you must follow your doctor’s advice. However, these preventive healthy tips can help you live a heart-healthy life.

1. Exercise Under Guidance

Gentle exercises like yoga or walking maintain fitness, healthy blood flow lowers blood pressure, and lowering clot risks during winter.​

2. Maintain a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet helps prevent artery clogging to support steady heart function.

3. Manage Stress & High BP

Healthy stress and blood pressure levels reduce the load on the heart.

4. Keep Yourself Warm

A good layering of clothes, hats, and gloves stops blood vessels from tightening in the cold, reducing the pressure on your heart.

5. Stay Hydrated

Keeping proper hydration helps in smooth blood circulation for better oxygen delivery. This reduces the risk of heart conditions.

6. Go For Regular Checkups

Routine checkups keep track of healthy levels of BP, cholesterol, or sugar, helping in timely treatment to avoid any complications.

Conclusion

For many, winter is the favorite season of the year, but it carries a hidden risk of increased heart attacks and strokes. But you can decrease the risk by following your doctor's advice and adopting heart-healthy winter tips such as staying warm, active, and well-nourished. In this way, you can effectively lower these risks and help yourself enjoy the season safely and healthily.

Searching for the best cardiac care? Contact Artemis Cardiac Care, where you will receive treatment aligned with a patient-centric approach.

Treatment Options Available:

• Non-Invasive Cardiology
• Interventional Cardiology
• Percutaneous Valvular
• Interventions
• Electrophysiology
• Pacemaker Implantation
• CRT, ICD & Combo Device Implantation

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FAQs

Q1. Why does cold weather increase heart attack risk?
A: Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to narrow, which raises blood pressure and makes the heart work harder to pump blood. This extra strain can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Q2. Who is more at risk of heart problems during winter?
A: Older adults, people with coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or those who smoke are more vulnerable to heart issues in cold weather.

Q3. How can you protect your heart in winter?
A: You can reduce heart risks by staying warm, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and getting routine health checkups.

Written and Verified by:

Dr. Aman Arora

Years of Experience : 5 Years

Consultant Cardiologist Cardiology Department

Meet the doctor