Why Are Heart Attacks More Common in Winter?

As the winter cold takes hold, prioritizing heart health becomes crucial to prevent fatal heart attacks (1). Employing a combination of lifestyle adjustments and mindful health practices can aid individuals in safeguarding their cardiovascular system against the physiological stress induced by colder temperatures.

Factors Contributing to Strokes and Heart Attacks

Temperature-Induced Stress:

Cold weather can lead to blood vessel constriction, increasing the heart’s workload and elevating the risk of heart attacks, especially in those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions (2).

Reduced Physical Activity:

Winter often discourages outdoor exercise, contributing to a decline in physical activity levels—a significant risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.

Dehydration:

In colder months, reduced thirst may lead to decreased water intake, straining the heart and contributing to cardiovascular risks (3).

Unhealthy Dietary Choices:

Festive seasons like Christmas and New Year’s are associated with indulgent feasts, contributing to conditions like obesity and diabetes, increasing the risk of heart disease.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure):

Elevated blood pressure strains arteries and the heart, increasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks (4).

High Cholesterol Levels:

Elevated LDL cholesterol levels result in plaque buildup, causing atherosclerosis and increasing the risk of blood clots and cardiovascular events (5).

Smoking and Tobacco Use:

Smoking narrows blood vessels and promotes blood clot formation, elevating the risk of strokes and heart attacks (6).

Diabetes:

Insulin resistance and high blood sugar in diabetes damage blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

Obesity and Overweight:

Excess body weight, especially around the abdomen, strains the cardiovascular system, contributing to conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption:

Heavy drinking can lead to high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Stress:

Chronic stress contributes to unhealthy behaviors, elevates blood pressure, and increases the likelihood of cardiovascular events over time.

Measures for Preventing Heart Attacks in Winter

Layered Clothing:

Dressing in layers and covering extremities helps mitigate blood vessel constriction, reducing strain on the heart.

Regular Physical Activity:

Engage in indoor activities to maintain physical activity levels, regulate blood pressure, manage weight, and improve overall heart function.

Heart-Healthy Nutrition:

Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting high-fat and high-sugar foods.

Adequate Hydration:

Maintain consistent water intake to prevent dehydration, avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption.

Stress Management:

Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation and deep breathing to combat emotional and physiological stress (7).

Regular Health Check-Ups:

Monitor and manage cardiovascular risk factors through regular health check-ups, including tracking blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Effectively manage chronic conditions.

References:

1. Cardiac mortality is higher around Christmas and New Year’s than at any other time: the holidays as a risk factor for death
   
   Phillips DP, Jarvinen JR, Abramson IS, Phillips RR. Cardiac mortality is higher around Christmas and New Year’s than at any other time: the holidays as a risk factor for death. Circulation. 2004 Dec 21;110(25):3781-8. doi: 10.1161/01.CIR.0000151424.02045.F7. Epub 2004 Dec 13. PMID: 15596560.




2. Cold exposure and ischemic heart disease
   
   Houdas Y, Deklunder G, Lecroart JL. Cold exposure and ischemic heart disease. Int J Sports Med. 1992 Oct;13 Suppl 1:S179-81. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-1024632. PMID: 1483767.




3. Hydration Status and Cardiovascular Function
   
   Watso JC, Farquhar WB. Hydration Status and Cardiovascular Function. Nutrients. 2019 Aug 11;11(8):1866. doi: 10.3390/nu11081866. PMID: 31405195; PMCID: PMC6723555.




4. High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Disease. Hypertension
   
   Fuchs FD, Whelton PK. High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Disease. Hypertension. 2020 Feb;75(2):285-292. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.119.14240. Epub 2019 Dec 23. PMID: 31865786; PMCID: PMC10243231.




5. Atherosclerosis
   
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507799/




6. Cardiovascular risk factors for acute stroke: Risk profiles in the different subtypes of ischemic stroke
   
   Arboix A. Cardiovascular risk factors for acute stroke: Risk profiles in the different subtypes of ischemic stroke. World J Clin Cases. 2015 May 16;3(5):418-29. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v3.i5.418. PMID: 25984516; PMCID: PMC4419105.




7. Stress Management
   
   Worthen M, Cash E. Stress Management. 2023 Aug 14. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30020672.

Source-Medindia