Why do heart attack cases surge in winter? Experts explain

As the winter chill sets in, the human body undergoes various health complications besides respiratory illnesses. One of the most significant events witnesses by experts during winter is the rise in cardiac issues.

While cases of heart attacks are consistently reported throughout the year, the cold weather can exacerbate symptoms of people with heart diseases.

This phenomenon is a serious concern caused by biological and lifestyle factors that converge during winter. The cold weather plays a pivotal role in this seasonal spike in cardiac events.

When temperatures drop, our bodies respond by narrowing the blood vessels, a process known as vasoconstriction, to conserve heat.

While this physiological response helps maintain body temperature, it inadvertently increases blood pressure and places additional strain on the heart.

Dr Sanjat Chiwane, Director, Cardiology, Max Hospital, Gurugram, told IndiaToday.In that people with angina (chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart) can experience worsening of their symptoms.

"People with angina may find that they are less able to be physically active when it's cold. The blood itself can become thicker and stickier and more likely to form clots, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke," said Dr Sanjat Chiwane.

Because of constricted arteries, the heart works harder to pump blood which can be particularly dangerous for people with plaque buildup in their arteries.

Moreover, the winter season often brings about changes in behavior that can exacerbate heart health risks.

Physical activity levels tend to decrease as people prefer the warmth of indoor environments over braving the cold outdoors. This habit of inactivity is compounded by dietary choices that lean towards high-fat comfort foods and an increase in alcohol consumption during holiday festivities.

Dr Gajinder Kumar Goyal, Director , Cardiology, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad, said that winter tends to promote bad lifestyle habits coupled with heavier, often fatty diets, leading to weight gain, a significant risk factor for heart attacks.

"Reduced outdoor activity due to cold weather exacerbates this issue. The season sees a rise in smoking and alcohol consumption as well, further contributing to heart attack incidences. This combination of artery constriction, elevated blood pressure, weight gain, reduced physical activity, and heightened cholesterol and sugar levels drives the increased risk of heart attacks during winter," Dr Gajinder Kumar Goyal told IndiaToday.In.

To mitigate these risks, experts recommend several precautions. Dressing warmly in layers and giving oneself breaks to warm up can help manage the body's response to cold.

Limiting alcohol intake, avoiding prolonged strenuous activities and maintaining a heart-healthy diet with regular exercise regimen are also crucial.

Additionally, frequent handwashing is advised to prevent respiratory infections, which can compound heart attack risks.

Recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack is equally important. Symptoms can include acute chest pain, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, numbness or tingling in the jaw, back, neck, or shoulders, a cold sweat, a sensation of heartburn, and sudden fatigue.

Recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveals a significant 12.5% rise in heart attack cases in 2022 alone.

Earlier Dr Sanjeev Gera, Director & HOD, Cardiology, Fortis Hospital Noida, told India Today. In that the Covid-19 pandemic overhauled people's lifestyle habits and accentuated inactivity that increased heart diseases.

As per the expert, more women are also getting heart attacks at an early age.