Many people ask why heart attacks increase in winter. The American Heart Association confirms that cold weather brings real dangers for the heart. As a result, it pays to understand the risks well before the temperature drops each year. Moreover, a few simple daily habits can lower your risk a great deal.
Why Heart Attacks Increase in Winter: Cold Tightens Blood Vessels
When cold air hits your skin, your blood vessels contract and tighten at once. Consequently, your blood pressure rises because your heart must push harder through narrower vessels. Moreover, the American Heart Association warns that tightened coronary arteries can trigger heart attacks or cardiac arrest. In short, this tightening explains a large part of why heart attacks increase in winter.
Cold weather also makes your blood slightly thicker and more prone to clotting. In addition, your heart beats faster and works longer shifts to keep your body warm. However, this extra effort adds up steadily over a long and bitter winter season. For example, a brisk winter walk demands far more from your heart than a spring stroll.
Sudden Exertion in the Cold Puts Extra Strain on the Heart
Shoveling heavy snow after a storm is a classic example of sudden, intense effort. Meanwhile, your heart is already working overtime just to fight off the cold. Consequently, this sudden double load can overwhelm even a fairly healthy heart. People who rarely exercise face the greatest danger from this sudden strain.
Warm up your body indoors before tackling any outdoor chore. For example, march in place or climb stairs gently for five minutes first. Moreover, take frequent breaks and stop at the first sign of chest discomfort. In addition, ask a younger family member to handle the heaviest lifting for you.
Pay attention to weather alerts on very cold days. Moreover, postpone non-urgent outdoor work until the warmest part of the afternoon. Your heart will thank you for the patience.
Winter Mornings, Flu Season, and Why Heart Attacks Increase in Winter
Research from the British Heart Foundation links winter and early morning hours to more heart attacks. Your stress hormones, including cortisol, surge upward as soon as you wake up. As a result, your blood pressure and heart rate climb sharply in the first hours of the day. Meanwhile, stepping straight into freezing morning air adds another shock to your system.
Winter flu infections also raise your cardiac risk in a major way. A 2018 study found that heart attack risk was six times higher within a week of a flu infection. Moreover, the American Heart Association urges everyone aged six months and older to get an annual flu shot. However, always check with your doctor before taking cold medicines, since some can raise blood pressure.
How to Protect Yourself This Winter
Dress in warm layers and always cover your head, hands, and feet outdoors. In addition, keep your home comfortably warm and avoid sudden temperature changes. For example, warm up your car fully on icy mornings, since cold also raises blood pressure. Read our guide on why blood pressure rises in winter and how to control it.
Learn the warning signs of a heart attack today, before you ever need them. These include chest discomfort, pain in the arms or shoulders, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, and lightheadedness. Consequently, call emergency services right away if you notice these symptoms. Never drive yourself to the hospital during a possible heart attack.
Understanding why heart attacks increase in winter helps you take the right steps. However, small daily habits make the biggest difference for your heart. Moreover, talk to your doctor about your personal risk before winter arrives. This article shares general information only and is not medical advice.
