Your heart needs extra care in winter
Cold weather can potentially increase the risk of heart disease through several mechanisms. In colder temperatures, the body responds by constricting blood vessels to conserve heat, which can elevate blood pressure. For individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions, this increased workload on the heart can be problematic.
Cold weather causes vasospasm of coronary arteries
“Heart attack rates tend to go up in winter and especially in the early morning hours. This is due to the cold weather causing vasospasms of the coronary arteries and contributing to sluggish slow in the coronary arteries and more platelet aggregation to form clots. This is triggered by extremely cold weather. Air pollution also contributes to this phenomenon which is also more common in winter months,” Dr. Ameya Udyavar, Consultant - Cardiologist and Cardiac Electrophysiologist, P. D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mahim.
Stress hormones play a contributory role
Cold weather also prompts the body to release stress hormones, such as adrenaline, which can further contribute to elevated blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, exposure to cold weather can cause blood to become thicker and more prone to clotting, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Cold weather can also lead to respiratory issues, and for people with pre-existing heart conditions, compromised lung function can exacerbate cardiovascular strain.
Additional risk factors
Moreover, seasonal factors like reduced sunlight exposure in winter can lead to lower levels of vitamin D, which has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. In summary, cold weather can impact cardiovascular health by raising blood pressure, increasing the risk of blood clots, and exacerbating existing heart conditions, emphasizing the importance of taking precautions and maintaining heart-healthy habits during winter months.
What are the signs you need to be careful about?
“There are no hidden signs. If one has chest heaviness or tightness, radiating to jaw or both or one of the arms, do not ignore the pain. Get yourself tested with an ECG and a blood test called Troponin I levels. Other symptoms would be sudden onset breathlessness, nausea, vomiting and sweating,” says Dr. Udyavar.
Dr. Praveen Sadarmin, Consultant, Adult Cardiology, Narayana Health City, Bangalore stresses on the lesser known signs of heart disease. “Less recognized signs such as jaw pain, nausea, or excessive sweating may indicate underlying cardiac concerns. Recognition of these subtleties is crucial for prompt medical attention,” he says.
How to prevent it?
Dr. Udyavar urges that cardiac patients who are already on medications should not stop them especially the blood thinners like aspirin and clopidogrel. “Take your medications regularly. Keep yourself warm. Avoid early morning walks/runs if weather is very cold and air is polluted. Do exercise indoors on the treadmill instead,” he says.
Dr. Sadarmin focuses on changing lifestyle habits. “Prevention involves regular cardiovascular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, stress management, and periodic check-ups with a cardiologist to detect early warning signs. Fostering heart health in colder weather requires awareness, lifestyle adjustments, and proactive medical care to mitigate heightened winter risks,” he adds.