Why Is There High Risk Of Heart Attack During Winters? Experts Explain

Cold weather results in decrease in body temperature, known as hypothermia which in turn could result in muscle damage of the organs including the heart leading to additional complications.

Heart Health During Winter

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Exposure to low temperature results in physiological and biochemical changes in the body. These changes include narrowing of the blood vessels and arteries that could have implications on blood pressure control, decreased flow of oxygenated blood to the heart. According to Dr M S Purkait, who is a Medical Superintendent atTechno India DAMA Hospital, "During winters, there is an increase in pollutants and their dispersion. This can trigger inflammation thus aggravating breathing difficulty in asthmatics and smokers."

In addition, Dr. Jeewan Pillai, who is the Chief Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon (CTVS) & HOD at Metro Hospitals and Heart Institute, Noida, "Cold weather results in decrease in body temperature, known as hypothermia which in turn could result in muscle damage of the organs including the heart leading to additional complications."

Effect Of Severe Cold Wave On Heart:

The cold weather affects your heart in a few different ways. Your circulatory system undergoes physical changes in response to the cold. Plus, you might be less active in the winter, choosing to stay inside to relax and keep warm and so you may not be exercising your body and heart as much.

Dr. Apurrva Sawant - who is a Preventive Healthcare Expert and Founder of Careport Private Limited listed the ways the cold weather affects are heart:

• Increased pulse rate: Have you noticed that your heart beats faster in cold weather? The cold can affect your heart rate because when the temperature drops, your heart must work harder to keep your body warm – this causes your heart rate to increase. While a fast heart rate isn’t a sign of heart attack or heart disease, it can be a signal that your heart is working too hard and you need a break.

• Winter lifestyle choices that increase your risk of heart disease: It’s probably no surprise that most people would rather snuggle under a blanket on the couch instead of going on a long winter walk when it’s 5 degrees below zero. But we’re also more likely to eat fatty comfort food and drink more alcohol – oh, those holiday cocktails. And if moderation goes out the window, these choices aren’t exactly great for a heart-healthy diet.

• Hormonal Changes: On a deeper level, the body experiences hormonal changes in response to the colder weather, this may include higher cholesterol levels as well as increased levels of clotting factors. Since platelets tend to aggregate more, this can increase the risk of a blood clot. Blood clots can cause both heart attacks and strokes (strokes happen due to loss of blood supply to the brain). These small clots block the already constricted blood vessels, this blockage prevents blood from getting to where it needs to go. If the blockage is on a vessel that supplies blood to the heart, it can lead to a heart attack or even heart failure.
• Low Vitamin D levels: Another important factor is the lower levels of sun exposure. Either due to being indoors more often or because some places simply get less sunlight, this reduced exposure to the sun can lead to deficiencies in Vitamin D. There have been numerous studies investigating the relationship between cardiovascular diseases and Vitamin D deficiency. Although there isn’t any data that suggests vitamin D supplementation can reduce cardiac issues, it is seen that lower levels of vitamin D are indirectly associated with more heart problems.  

Effect Of Winters On Blood Pressure:

In winter, the blood pressure often rises due to several factors. Dr. Salil Shirodkar, who is a Senior Consultant of Interventional Cardiology at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai listed a few of them:

• The cold weather causes blood vessels to narrow down (vasoconstriction), increasing blood pressure and thus putting extra strain on the heart. This is particularly significant for those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
• Additionally, people tend to work out intensively during winters which can lead to increased physical exertion, further adding stress on the heart.
• Lifestyle changes during winter, such as diets rich in fats and sugars, and reduced physical activity, further impact cardiovascular health.

Who Are At Risk Of Heart Attack In Winter?

People who are at a high risk of a heart attack in winter as mentioned by Dr. Apurrva Sawant are:

• Those with a prior history of heart problems
• Those who have had a heart attack previously
• Those with high blood pressure and high cholesterol
• Smokers and heavy drinkers
• Those who lead a sedentary lifestyle

How To Keep A Heart Healthy In Winter Season?

Like most ailments, there are preventive measures that can help lower your risk of disease. Similarly, certain corrective and preventive measures can help lower your risk of heart attacks in winter:

• Eat well during the winter. Avoid foods that are fried, fatty, sugary, or high in cholesterol as these can raise your chance of developing heart disease.
• The most crucial thing is to stay warm. If you are susceptible to chilly temperatures, strive to dress in enough layers to maintain your body's warmth.
• Stay physically active through the winter season even if it seems tough. Exercise need not be done outside. You can exercise inside by doing yoga, dancing, gentle aerobics, home exercises, or meditation. Regular exercise helps you stay fit and keeps your body warm.
• Avoid going beyond your limits. If you have heart disease, try to stay away from intense labour and take short breaks between tasks to rest.
• Refrain from using alcohol excessively.
• Keep a tight eye on medical concerns like kidney, vascular and blood pressure issues. If these illnesses are not treated, they increase your risk of developing heart problems.
• Stop smoking since it raises your risk of developing heart issues.
• Eat hot food in the cold to keep your body warm.
• Staying indoors on chilly days is advised if you have heart disease in order to avoid abrupt cold strokes.

Keep these tips in mind if you want to maintain a healthy heart through the winter season and beyond.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]