As winter arrives, many people focus on enjoying the season’s festivities, cosying up indoors, or participating in winter sports. However, the cold weather brings more than just seasonal cheer; it can have a significant impact on heart health. While many people believe heart attacks are more common in winter, this isn’t just a myth. Several factors, including blood vessel constriction, elevated blood pressure, and increased physical stress, can make cold weather more likely to cause heart attacks.

According to Dr. Dinesh Mittal, a leading Cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon, “Cold weather puts a lot of pressure on the heart, causing blood vessels to tighten and raise blood pressure, both of which can lead to heart attacks.”

In this blog, we’ll explore why heart attacks are more common in cold weather, how winter increases the risk of heart attacks, and what can help prevent them during this season. 

Understanding Winter and Heart Health

When the temperature drops, it takes more effort for the body to maintain a stable core temperature, further stressing the cardiovascular system. Blood vessels naturally constrict in colder climates to help the body retain heat. However, this also causes blood pressure to rise and the heart to work harder to pump blood through smaller channels.

Additionally, cold air can lower the heart’s oxygen supply, especially when engaging in physical activity, such as climbing snow-capped mountains or jogging briskly in icy conditions. These unexpected physical demands, along with the physiological changes caused by cold, may increase the risk of a heart attack, especially in people who already have heart problems.

“The winter season places a unique burden on the heart,” says Dr. Dinesh Mittal. “Even everyday activities like walking or climbing stairs can become dangerous when combined with the effects of cold weather, especially for people who aren’t prepared.”

What Makes Heart Attacks More Common in Winter?

It might sound surprising, but heart attacks in winter tend to happen more often. And no—it’s not just a coincidence. So, what are the primary triggers of heart attacks in winter? Here’s what plays a role:

1. Constriction of arteries

When you step out into the cold, your body’s first instinct is to stay warm. One way it does that is by narrowing your blood vessels to reduce heat loss. But this also makes it harder for blood to flow, and your heart has to pump much harder to keep things moving. For someone with narrowed or blocked arteries, that extra strain can lead to a heart attack.

2. Thicker blood consistency

Cold weather can actually affect how your blood behaves. It tends to thicken a little and clot more easily, increasing the chance of a clot forming and blocking a coronary artery—the kind of blockage that can trigger a heart attack.

3. Winter Chores Can Be Risky

Chores like clearing snow from the driveway might seem routine, but they’re a workout in disguise. Lifting heavy snow while breathing in icy air puts sudden stress on the heart. Many people don’t realise how dangerous this can be, especially if they’re not used to regular physical activity.

4. Seasonal Illnesses Play a Role

Winter is also flu season, and illnesses like the flu or other respiratory infections can cause inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation can affect the heart. In fact, studies have found that people are more likely to suffer a heart attack in the days following a flu infection.

5. Less Activity, Heavier Diets

When it’s cold outside, it’s tempting to stay indoors, move less, and reach for comfort foods that are heavier. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying seasonal treats, a combination of inactivity, high-fat meals, and alcohol can lead to weight gain, increased blood pressure, and higher cholesterol levels—all of which increase the risk of a heart attack.

Who Is at Higher Risk During Winter?

The cold can put more stress on the heart, making it harder for the heart to cope with physical strain. People who are at higher risk are: 

• Older adults (60+): Ageing reduces the body’s ability to handle colds, and heart disease becomes more common with age.
• People with heart conditions or family history: Those with existing heart problems or genetic risk are more vulnerable to winter-related heart stress.
• Individuals with high blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes: These conditions strain the heart and make arteries more prone to blockages in cold weather.
• Smokers: Smoking damages blood vessels, and the cold further increases the risk of clots and reduces oxygen flow.
• People with obesity or inactive lifestyles: Extra weight and lack of regular exercise can overload the heart, especially during sudden winter exertion.
• Younger adults who overexert: Even healthy individuals can trigger heart issues through intense cold activity or by ignoring flu symptoms.

A patient of Dr. Dinesh Mittal shared, “I’m only 45 and consider myself healthy. But one chilly morning, after a jog, I felt tightness in my chest and pain shooting down my arm. It scared me enough to book a consultation with Dr. Dinesh Mittal. He diagnosed the early signs of coronary artery disease. His calm and thorough approach helped me change my lifestyle before things got worse. I had no idea winter could hit the heart so hard.”

How to Prevent a Heart Attack in Winter?

The good news is that awareness and a few preventive measures can go a long way. Here’s how to prevent a heart attack in winter and keep your heart safe:

• Dress Warmly: When going outside, always wear layers, gloves, hats, and warm socks. Keep your core body temperature stable to reduce strain on your heart.
• Warm Up Before Activities: Just like athletes warm up before a game, you should warm up your muscles and heart before heading out for a walk or tackling snow. Avoid sudden bursts of activity, especially in freezing temperatures.
• Avoid Overexertion: Take frequent breaks while doing any physical work outside. If you’re at risk, ask for help with snow clearing or heavy lifting.
• Get a Flu Shot: Protect yourself from respiratory infections that could indirectly strain your heart. Annual flu vaccinations and COVID-19 boosters are vital for older adults and those with chronic conditions.
• Stick to Heart-Healthy Habits: Continue your medication, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and monitor blood pressure regularly. If holiday indulgences tempt you, moderation is key.
• Stay Active Indoors: Even light indoor exercises, such as walking, stretching, or yoga, can help keep your heart healthy during the cold months.
• Know the Warning Signs: Chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, or pain in the neck or arms should never be ignored, regardless of the time of year. If you start to feel symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

When to See a Doctor?

Cold weather can take a real toll on your heart, so it’s essential to listen to your body, especially if something doesn’t feel right. Here’s when you shouldn’t ignore the signs:

• Chest discomfort that won’t go away: If you’re experiencing tightness, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, don’t dismiss it. It could be your heart trying to tell you something serious.
• Pain spreading to your arm, jaw, neck, or back: Heart-related pain isn’t always where you expect it. If the discomfort moves around, it’s worth checking out.
• Breathlessness doing normal things: Struggling to catch your breath while walking or climbing stairs? That’s not just winter fatigue, it could be a red flag.
• Sudden dizziness or exhaustion: Feeling unusually weak or lightheaded without reason might be more than just skipping breakfast.
• Cold sweats or nausea: These symptoms often show up during a heart attack and should never be ignored.

Remember, regular heart checkups are a smart move during winter, especially if you already have heart issues or risk factors. 

Another patient of Dr. Dinesh also shared, “After I started feeling chest tightness every time I stepped outside in winter, I became anxious to even go for a walk. Dr. Dinesh Mittal not only diagnosed the issue but also helped me understand what my heart could and couldn’t handle. His advice was practical, reassuring, and it gave me back the confidence to live normally again, even in the cold.”

Don’t Let the Cold Catch You Off Guard

So, are heart attacks more common in winter? Yes, the data and science suggest they are. But understanding the “why” behind it gives us the power to reduce the risk.

Winter doesn’t have to be dangerous for your heart if you’re mindful of your habits, environment, and physical health. Whether it’s bundling up properly, avoiding overexertion, or sticking to your heart care routine, small steps can make a big difference.

If you have existing heart conditions or risk factors, talk to your doctor before winter arrives. Prevention is always better than a cure, especially when it comes to your heart.

FAQs

1. Are there specific foods I should avoid during winter to reduce my heart attack risk?

Avoid high-fat and high-sugar foods. Choose a heart-healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

2. Can heart attacks happen if I’m just sitting in the cold for a long time?

Yes, prolonged exposure to cold can raise blood pressure and put a strain on your heart.

3. Can stress from holiday activities increase the risk of a heart attack in winter?

Yes, stress can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attacks, so it’s essential to manage stress effectively.

4. Is winter exercise more dangerous for people with high blood pressure?

Yes, cold weather can cause blood vessels to constrict, raising blood pressure, which is dangerous for individuals with hypertension.

5. Can a heart attack occur even if I take heart medications during the winter?

Yes, heart medications can help manage risk, but cold weather and other factors like physical exertion can still trigger a heart attack.

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