Cold Weather and Heart Attack: 12 Ways to Prevent Heart Attack in Winters

Many people are aware that cold weather can cause respiratory tract infections ¹ and seasonal affective disorders (SAD), but did you know that cardiac issues like strokes and heart attacks in cold weather are common as well?

Unveiling the Statistics: How Many People Fall Victim to Heart Attacks Every Winter?

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most common causes of death among people worldwide. While the risk of fatality due to cardiac issues is always around, studies have proven a correlation between cold weather and heart disease. Let’s take a look at a few statistics:

• A recent study ² indicated that mortality due to cardiac issues is more likely during the winter months.
• Venous thromboembolism (VTE), a condition that arises when a blood clot builds in a vein, has a 14% - 20% higher incidence rate ² in winter.
• Furthermore, 45.8% of studies conducted ² found that the risk of aortic dissection and rupture was higher during the winter months.
• Another study ³ indicated that every one-degree drop in temperature (Celsius) would result in a 0.49% increase in deaths as a result of circulatory causes.

Cardiac issues typically occur more often during the winter months due to numerous factors. We’ll look at some of these below and explore how best you can detect the early signs of a heart attack in winter, what lifestyle changes could help lower your risk, and more. 

How Cold is Too Cold for Heart Patients: Safe Thresholds for Heart Patients

For people with cardiac issues, exposure to extreme cold can be hazardous. Cold weather is known to constrict blood vessels, causing higher blood pressure and strain on the heart. Recent research ⁴ has indicated that cardiovascular diseases can occur at higher rates when the wind chill temperatures are around -3.8°C. 

This shows it’s important for heart patients to be cautious when stepping out or exercising to reduce the risk of more heart attacks in winter.

Why Do More People Get Heart Attacks In Winter?

Now that you're aware of the alarming statistics related to cold weather and heart attacks let’s explore why there appears to be a link between cold weather and heart problems. 

• Blood vessels constrict in the cold: When the temperature decreases, the blood vessels in the body narrow to conserve heat. This puts more strain on the circulatory system, which, in turn, increases blood pressure and one’s risk for heart attacks.
• Reduced blood flow from coronary arteries: Cold weather can also cause the coronary arteries to constrict. This, in turn, reduces the flow of blood to the cardiac muscles, which increases the chances of a heart attack in winter.
• Increased fluid retention: Unlike in the summer months, where sweating causes the body to lose a lot of fluid, there is more fluid retained in the body in the winter, which also contributes to higher blood pressure. 
• Lack of vitamin D: Several studies ⁵ have indicated that reduced vitamin D absorption during the winter months could cause increased heart problems.

Why and How Does Winter Affect Your Heart

Cold weather and heart failure are related. That said, while the dropping temperature itself can put a strain on the heart, the cold season could also increase one’s risks in other subtle ways. For instance, diminished daylight hours during the cold months can affect circadian rhythms, which could potentially have an impact on blood pressure and heart health. 

Additionally, people tend to consume fat-rich foods that could result in higher cholesterol levels, which may exacerbate any existing health issues. If you have a genetic predisposition to heart issues or high cholesterol, firstly combat high cholesterol levels with natural remedies, and secondly book a Lipid Panel Test Online before the winter months so you can be mindful of your eating and lifestyle habits.