Winter might be the season to be merry and indulge in various festivities, but it also is the time to be cautious – about your heart! Besides the common cold and flu, the winters bring several possible threats to heart patients, which may even turn fatal.
As the temperature drops, paying extra attention to heart care in winter is crucial. Cold weather can increase risks for people with heart conditions, putting more strain on the cardiovascular system. Studies show that heart attacks rates can rise by up to 53% in winter compared to summer. Here, the main risk factor is biological. The cold causes blood vessels to contract. This can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Angina, or chest pain due to coronary heart disease, can also worsen in winter when coronary arteries constrict in the cold.
Whether you have a pre-existing heart issue or simply want to prioritise your heart health, understanding how winter impacts the heart and taking proactive steps is essential.
Why do heart attacks happen in winter?
Heart attacks are more likely to happen in winter and least likely to occur in summer. This is also true for other cardiovascular events. Lower temperatures can cause increased stress on the walls of the heart and reduce flow to the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Heart attacks are more common in the winter due to a number of factors, including:
Cold weather: Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to narrow, which increases blood pressure and makes the heart work harder. This can lead to blood clots and increase the risk of heart attack, especially for people with existing heart conditions.
Reduced physical activity: People tend to exercise less in the winter, which can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Holiday eating: People often eat more rich, high-calorie foods during the holidays, which can lead to weight gain and high blood sugar.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): The lack of sunlight in the winter can lead to depression, anxiety, and stress, which can negatively affect heart health.
Respiratory infections: The flu and cold season in the winter can stress the heart, especially for people recovering from a heart attack.
Strenuous activity: People who aren’t used to strenuous activity, like shovelling snow, can strain their hearts.
How to prevent heart attacks in winter?
To prevent a heart attack in winter, focus on dressing warmly in layers, staying active with moderate exercise indoors, maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, limiting exposure to extreme cold, and consulting your doctor if you have any concerns, especially if you have pre-existing heart conditions.
Stay warm: Keep your home at least 18°C, and wear layers of clothing, including a hat, scarf, and gloves. You can also use a hot water bottle or electric blanket.
Dress appropriately: Wear multiple layers of clothing, including a hat, gloves, and scarf to keep your core temperature stable when outdoors.
Limit cold exposure: Avoid prolonged exposure to very cold weather.
Stay active: Move around more often, even if it’s not strenuous exercise. You can try at-home workouts like yoga, cardio dance, or circuit training.
Eat well: Eat a balanced diet with leafy greens, seasonal fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, even in cold weather.
Manage stress: Stress can increase inflammation in the body, which can lead to higher blood pressure and lower good HDL cholesterol.
Monitor symptoms: Pay attention to chest pain, discomfort, or shortness of breath, and seek medical attention immediately if you experience any concerning symptoms.
Avoid overexertion: Take frequent breaks, especially during outdoor chores like shovelling snow.
Consult your doctor: If you have a pre-existing heart condition, talk to your doctor about specific winter precautions.
Continue your treatment plan: If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, continue your treatment plan and maintain heart-healthy habits.
Vitamin D supplement: Consider taking a Vitamin D supplement during winter months.
Avoid heavy meals before going outside: Eating large meals can put additional strain on your heart in cold weather.
Warm up gradually: Before going outside in cold weather, warm up your muscles with light activity.
Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can negatively impact heart health.
Quit smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of heart disease.
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