When the temperatures drop during winter, the risk of having a cardiovascular event increases substantially.
According to a 2022 study, the risk of dying from a heart attack, stroke, heart failure, or another form of circulatory disease is higher during winter than in the summer.
One possible reason is that it’s the heart of flu season. The risk of having a heart attack is significantly higher in the seven days after an infection such as flu or pneumonia.
Cold weather also poses a risk. When your body is exposed to cold, it works to keep your temperature from dropping. It does that is by narrowing your blood vessels to minimize heat loss from your blood, which increases your blood pressure and heart rate. This can pose a problem if you have any of the following risk factors:
• Over the age of 65
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• A history of smoking
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Being overweight
• Sedentary lifestyle
Overexerting yourself in cold temperatures can also be dangerous. Because your blood vessels and arteries are narrower than normal, your heart has to work even harder to pump blood throughout your body.
Keeping safe
If you have a heart condition or have a history of one, you should avoid shoveling snow. Even if you don’t have a heart issue, you should still take some precautions if you’re shoveling, exercising, or spending time outdoors.
1. Limit caffeine and alcohol before heading outdoors
Caffeine and alcohol increase your blood pressure. Alcohol can also make you feel warmer than you actually are, which can cause you to underestimate the strain your body is under.
2. Dress for the occasion
Dress warmly and in layers. Avoid overdressing, as that can lead to overheating. Wearing moisture wicking clothing will help you stay warm and dry.
You should also cover your nose and mouth with a scarf or mask. Breathing in cold air can cause the heart’s coronary arteries to narrow, which raises the risk of chest pain and blood clotting.
3. Be smart about exercise
Regular exercise is great for your cardiovascular health, but it’s important to ease into it by warming up and stretching. You should also take frequent water breaks to avoid dehydration.
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Other steps you can take to protect your heart health during the winter include getting your flu shot, eating a heart-healthy diet, and not smoking or vaping.
The cold winter months can be especially hard on your heart. But by taking just a few simple precautions, you can keep your heart healthy and fully embrace the changing of the seasons!