Winter Alert: Why Heart Attack Risk Rises in Cold Weather & How to Stay Safe

Despite winter usually being thought of as a relaxing time with the warmth of sweaters, holidays and celebrations, it is also important to note from health data that many people face difficulties during this period the difficulties are related to Heart Attack. Cold weather causes many physiological changes. 

One of the most direct effects of this is on cardiovascular health. According to several physician sources, there is an increase in cardiovascular events of 25-30% from November through March due to colder weather. Because of this, it is more important than ever to be aware of how cold weather affects the elderly and those with pre-existing heart disease and hypertension, so that they may take appropriate precautions.

Why does cold affect the heart?

As winter continues and gets colder, your body constricts its blood vessels (this is known as Vasoconstriction) to stay warm. When the blood vessels constrict, there is an automatic increase in blood pressure. This causes additional stress on your heart to pump blood; therefore, increased blood pressure levels are putting stress on your heart from constant use.

Additionally, Drs. state that colder weather makes our blood denser, thus increasing the chance of blood clots. A clot could impede blood flow to the heart and/or can move to the brain, resulting in stroke. Because the temperature can drop rapidly, those suffering from pre-existing heart or hypertensive-type conditions face an increased risk due to these circumstances.

Winter Illnesses and Double Pressure on the Heart

Throughout the fall and winter months, both the general population's occurrence of flu, cough, sore throat, and fever has increased greatly, but are not usually critical issues unless someone is having a heart attack. In addition, bronchitis typically presents with chest pain, difficulty breathing and increased amounts of coughing that may inhibit oxygen to the heart and cause additional suffering. 

In turn, winter is generally when there is an increase in the number of migraine sufferers exhibiting complaints of chest heaviness, feelings of rapid heartbeat, anxiety and fatigue.

Which symptoms should not be ignored Heart Attack?

The following symptoms can be a serious warning sign in cold weather. Delaying treatment can be detrimental:

• Chest pressure or pain
• Shortness of breath or heaviness
• Numbness in one arm or leg
• Sudden weakness
• Nervousness, restlessness, or sweating
• Fatness on one side of the face
• Feeling extremely cold

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.

What should you do to protect your heart in winter?

Cold protection isn't limited to wearing warm clothing. Some simple habits can provide additional protection to your heart:

1. Avoid the morning cold: Temperatures are lowest between 6 and 9 a.m. This time is considered the most risky for heart health, so avoid going out early in the morning unless it's necessary.
2. Avoid drinking cold water: Your blood vessels will constrict quickly, creating a potential rise in your blood pressure. Instead, you should drink lukewarm water.
3. Exercise regularly, but not excessively: Staying active is important, but too much intense activity will put extra pressure on your heart. You should do some yoga, stretch, go on short walks, or participate in light indoor exercises. If you plan to go walking outside, wear warm clothes and always warm up before exercising.
4. Eat a well-balanced diet: During the winter, you should take extra care with your food intake.

• Seasonal Fruits
• Hot Soups
• Green Vegetables
• Oats
• Dried Fruits
• Omega-3 Rich Foods

           Fried foods, excess salt, or sugar put a strain on the body, so limit their intake. Limit consumption of foods like ghee.

5. Reduce Stress: Stress can put additional strain on the heart during winter. Meditation, soft music, or some time off can reduce stress.
6. Don't Skip Medications and Checkups: Patients diagnosed with Diabetes are required to adhere strictly to a prescribed medical care regimen provided by their respective physician and perform regular visits to their health care provider. 

       During the winter months, the risk of developing additional medical conditions is significantly increased among individuals living with             Diabetes, including Hypertension and Elevated Cholesterol levels, thus making it imperative for patients to control those conditions along with their Diabetes.

7. Stay away from smoking and excessive alcohol: Both these foods rapidly constrict blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack. Their effects are exacerbated in the cold.

Winter is inherently a difficult time for the heart, but by making the appropriate preparations, the risks associated with winter can be greatly reduced. The importance of warm clothing, a structured daily schedule, being seen regularly by a physician, and maintaining healthy lifestyle choices contributes to keeping our hearts healthy.

If you have a heart condition or someone in your family has a heart issue, take winter very seriously. Pay close attention to even the slightest sign given off by your body and consult a physician immediately if you feel it necessary. A single action taken in the appropriate timeframe can avoid significant consequences.

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