Incrised Heart Attack Risk During Winter due to Cardiovascular diseases in winter, stress and inactivity. Maintain diet, exercise, warmth and monitor heart health to stay safe.
Heart Attack Risk During Winter is One of the main causes of death worldwide. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the world’s largest cause of death, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). According to the report, heart attacks and strokes accounted for 85% of the anticipated 19.8 million deaths from CVDs in 2022. A heart attack is a dangerous disorder that happens when some of your heart muscle does not receive enough blood flow. The cardiac muscles start to deteriorate as a result of this reduced blood supply. Blood flow can be affected by a number of factors, but blockage in one or more of the heart’s arteries is the most common cause.
Key factors of Heart Attack Risk During Winter
| Factor | Why Risk Increases |
| Respiratory infections | Causes inflammation, destabilises arterial plaque |
| Cardiovascular diseases | Vasoconstriction increases BP and clot risk |
| Stress | Elevated cortisol/adrenaline strains the heart |
| Reduced physical activity | Leads to weight gain & poor circulation |
| Unhealthy winter diet | High fat/salt increases BP & cholesterol |
| Cold exposure | Narrows blood vessels, increases heart workload |
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According to the Cleveland Clinic, if blood flow isn’t promptly restored, it may result in death or irreversible cardiac damage. Heart attacks occur all year round, but they are more common in the winter. This increase is caused by a number of things. “Winter brings a noticeable spike in heart-related problems, with studies showing an increased number of heart attacks during winter months,” stated Dr. Abhijit Khadtare, a cardiologist at Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune. A perfect storm for cardiovascular stress is created by the temperature drop, lifestyle modifications, and physiological reactions.
Understanding these risk factors is essential, according to Dr. Khadtare, particularly for people who already have diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease. He discusses a few elements that raise the risk of a heart attack in the winter.
Factors That affect Heart Attack Risk During Winter
Respiratory Infections
Inflammation in the body can result from respiratory illnesses like the flu, which are more prevalent in the winter. This inflammation may cause plaque in arteries to become unstable, raising the risk of blockages. Individuals who already have heart problems are especially susceptible to these infections.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)
Vasoconstriction is one of the main causes of the elevated risk of heart attacks. Blood arteries constrict as a normal reaction to preserve body heat. Your blood pressure rises as a result, requiring your heart to work harder to pump blood. This additional strain can cause a cardiac event in those who have blocked arteries or weak heart function. Additionally, cold temperature increases blood viscosity, making the blood thicker and more likely to clot. This raises the risk of heart attacks even more.
Stress
Last but not least, winter is linked to higher levels of emotional stress. Routine disruption, seasonal affective disorder, and the pressures of the holidays all contribute to this. The cardiovascular system is further strained by stress chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline, which can raise blood pressure and heart rate.
Reduced Physical Activity
Reduced physical activity is another significant cause. Regular exercise is often discouraged by shorter days and winter weather. Weight gain, impaired circulation, and deteriorating lipid profiles result from this. Additionally, decadent meals heavy in fat, sugar, and salt are frequently served during the winter holidays, which can cause abrupt increases in cholesterol or blood pressure.
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There are several ways to avoid Heart Attack Risk During Winter
Key Prevention Tips of Heart Attack Risk During Winter
| Prevention Tips | Benefit |
| Monitor BP & quit smoking | Reduces sudden cardiac strain |
| Wear warm layered clothing | Prevents vasoconstriction |
| Eat heart-healthy foods | Controls BP & cholesterol |
| Exercise indoors regularly | Improves blood flow & stamina |
| Avoid sudden heavy tasks | Prevents heart overexertion |
Here are some of the ways to prevent Heart Attack Risk During Winter
1. Keep an eye on health metrics: Make sure to check your blood pressure on a regular basis and see a doctor if it rises. Give up smoking and drink alcohol sparingly.
2. Wear layers to stay warm: In cold weather, blood vessels contract, raising blood pressure and making the heart work harder, which raises the risk of a heart attack. To cover your extremities and stop heat loss, especially when you’re outside, put on several layers, caps, scarves, and gloves.
3. Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids to maintain a heart-healthy diet. Steer clear of large, greasy, or salty meals since these can exacerbate clotting and blood pressure. Additionally, drink plenty of water to avoid blood thickening.
4. Continue exercising indoors: Wintertime sedentary lifestyles raise blood pressure and cholesterol. Yoga, stretching, and indoor walking are examples of low-impact workouts. By doing this, blood flow can be maintained without being exposed to lower temperatures.
5. Steer clear of abruptly taxing activities: Exercising vigorously in frigid weather or shovelling snow can put an abrupt strain on the heart. When performing outdoor tasks, try to warm up indoors first and take breaks. Another option for lowering cardiovascular stress is to move slowly.
Disclaimer: This content, which includes advice, only offers general information. It is by no means a replacement for a professional medical opinion. For additional information, always speak with a specialist or your physician. This information is not the responsibility of Dietivity.
