How cold weather affects your heart in winter

Do you feel that slight chill in the air? Winter has arrived in the Big Easy. And colder temperatures may mean problems for your heart—especially if you have heart disease.

Did you know? According to the American College of Cardiology, exposure to cold weather can increase your risk of a heart attack. In fact, more heart attacks happen in December and January than at other times of the year.

So, make sure you know how to protect your heart and recognize a heart emergency.

What are the warning signs of a heart attack?

You may think you know what a heart attack feels like. But heart attack symptoms can vary from person to person and man to woman. Some heart attacks are sudden. Others are slow with only mild discomfort. Either way, it’s critical to know the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack, including:

• Chest pain or discomfort, which might feel like pressure, squeezing, or fullness
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain or discomfort in your arm or shoulders
• Pain or discomfort in your jaw, neck, or back
• Pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness or lightheadedness

If you think you’re having a heart attack, call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately.

Why does the cold increase your risk of a heart attack?

The cold weather season increases your risk of a heart attack for a variety of reasons. Not only do cold temperatures physically affect your heart, but the time of year also brings other stressors.

Physical changes to the heart

When temperatures decrease, your body reacts:

• Blood vessels constrict to reduce heat loss and keep blood near the body’s core. Smaller blood vessels increase blood pressure, and high blood pressure increases heart attack risk.
• Blood gets thicker and more likely to clot.
• Your body temperature lowers, making the heart work harder to warm you back up.

Flu and other sicknesses

The prime time for getting the flu and other respiratory viruses happens between December and February. Data shows that a case of the flu can increase the risk of a heart attack.

Stress and mental health challenges

The dark days of winter and holiday nostalgia can be depressing, leading to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and emotional upset. Researchers have found a link between heart health and depression, stress, and anxiety.

It’s no secret that the holidays often add stress—from going to parties and gift shopping to being around in-laws and cooking for 20. But extra stress equals bad news for your heart. It raises blood pressure, increases inflammation and cholesterol, and can even throw the rhythm of your heart out of whack.

How can I reduce my risk of heart problems in colder weather?

Even in colder weather, there are plenty of ways to help out your heart:

• Bundle up to stay warm when temperatures drop. When outside, wear layers of clothing if needed, including a hat and scarf. If your clothes get wet, change them as soon as possible since damp or wet clothes can decrease body temperature quickly.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet, just like in the warmer months. Load up on fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy. Avoid the temptation of too many cookies, egg nogs, and other treats with added sugar, saturated fat, or trans-fat.
• Don’t let shorter days and inclement weather keep you from regular exercise. If your primary care provider okays it, get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, or a combination of the two.

Find a cardiologist in New Orleans

If you have questions or concerns about your heart, the best place to start is with your primary care provider, who can refer you to a heart expert. Cardiologists at LCMC Health provide some of the most advanced heart and vascular care in the region. We’re here to keep your heart pumping strong this winter and beyond.

Find a cardiologist.

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