For those who live in seasonal climates like the Midwest, cold winter weather tends to be a sensory experience somewhat forgotten through the year until that first blast of icy wind hits the face.
We shiver, bundle up and head out into the elements.
The cold air not only causes reflexive shoulder hunching, but it can also impact your health — and your heart — in ways you may not expect.
Heart attacks are generally more common in winter. Why?
In cold weather, your heart faces multiple challenges:
- Blood vessels constrict and narrow. This raises your blood pressure, which damages your heart over time.
- Heart works harder. Your heart has to work harder to keep your body warm. If your body temperature drops too low, hypothermia can lead to damage to your heart muscle.
- Heart rate increases. Shivering increases your heart rate, which can put additional stress on the heart, especially in individuals with preexisting conditions.
- Blood is more prone to clotting. This increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially for people with preexisting conditions.
- Strenuous activity adds extra burden. Physical exertion in the cold, such as snow shoveling, can quickly overwork the heart, especially if you aren’t used to it.
When combined, these factors can increase the risk of heart attack.
“Studies have shown that sudden exertion outdoors in cold weather poses some cardiac risk,” said Paul Ruzumna, MD, a cardiologist with Endeavor Health. “But it’s important to stay active, even in cold weather. Warm up indoors before strenuous activity, such as skiing, jogging or shoveling snow.”
What other precautions can you take?
Staying warm is critical in cold weather. Wearing layers of clothing is one way to accomplish this, as well as covering your head, ears, hands and feet.
Winter is flu season, and respiratory infections can increase inflammation in the body and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Remembering to wash your hands, get enough sleep and take measures to avoid getting sick can protect your heart.
Being careful with exertion — such as shoveling heavy, wet snow — is also critical, especially for those with heart disease.
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