In the course of the cold winter months, our bodies must work harder to stay warm. In the event, our blood vessels become constricted and our heart rate increases. While this is par for the course in case of healthy people, those with cardiac issues can face problems.

How does cold weather affect heart health?

Hypertension: With the narrowing of blood vessels in winter, blood pressure spikes, which can raise the risk of a heart attack or stroke in patients with high blood pressure.
Heart attacks: During the winter months, the body releases stress hormones like adrenaline to help fight the chill, which can elevate heart rate and blood pressure. This translates into added stress on the heart and can even cause a heart attack, more so in those with existing heart issues.
Depleted blood flow: In cold weather, blood supply to the heart is often depleted, which means less oxygen reaches the heart. This could be hazardous for people who have existing cardiac conditions like angina, where blood flow is already compromised.
Blood clots: Cold weather can increase the viscosity of blood, thus raising the risk of blood clots, which could lead to heart attacks or strokes.
Lack of exercise: During the winter months, people often shy away from stepping outside, tending to stay indoors, which means not exercising enough. This could lead to weight gain and poor circulation, affecting heart health.

cold weather affect heart health

Tips for protecting your heart during the cold

Adequate clothing: Wearing proper layers of warm clothing to retain body heat is absolutely essential for winter heart health. You can try thermals and gloves and socks to keep the hands and feet warm.
Keep exercising: While it can be difficult dragging yourself outside in the cold, sticking to some exercise routine is absolutely critical. You can do some indoor activities like yoga or use some gym equipment to work out. If you feel up to it, you can try brisk walking outdoors after a proper warmup.
Keep BP under check: The winter months can increase your blood pressure levels. Hence, monitoring your BP on a regular basis is essential, more so if you have a history of high blood pressure. Medical advice should be sought if the BP readings are consistently on the higher side.
Eating right: It is important to stick to a heart-healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, and not succumb to the lure of fast foods rich in fats and sugar.
Drink plenty of fluids: In the winter months, we often tend to feel less thirsty and drink less water. This can cause dehydration which could thicken the blood and elevate the risk of a heart attack. Hence, it’s important to consciously drink plenty of fluids.
Cut down on your drinking: Consume alcohol in moderation, since excess drinking can lead to dehydration and spike blood pressure.
Reduce stress: Cold weather can increase stress levels. It’s important to try and manage your stress better through relaxation and meditation techniques like yoga, deep-breathing exercises, etc.
Don’t exert too much: If you have a cardiac condition, avoid high-intensity physical exercises in cold weather. If you have to work outdoors, watch the load on your body and seek help if you need to.
Learn about heart attack symptoms: It is important to educate yourself on the signs of a heart attack, which could be chest pain, discomfort in the upper part of the body, breathlessness, etc. Seek emergency medical advice in case you feel any of these.
Social support: It makes good sense to stay connected with your near and dear ones, especially those who already have a heart condition. This social network is extremely critical in the cold winter months for both heart health and mental health.