Winter is here, and while many people love this season, some need to be extra cautious during this time. For those wondering why, Dr Ravi Prakash, Senior Consultant Cardiologist, PSRI Hospital, New Delhi, suggests that the incidence and the risk of heart attack significantly increase in cold weather, especially during the cold winter in Delhi and surrounding areas.
A heart attack is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough blood. According to a study published in Circulation, the flagship journal of the American Heart Association (AHA), more people die from heart attacks during the last week of December than at any other time of the year. But while it is important to understand the factors that contribute to this elevated risk in winter, it is crucial to know the warning signs so that you can take prompt action.
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What Contributes To Winter Heart Attack?
Research published in Circulation highlighted that the most common factors that contribute to an increase in cardiac and noncardiac deaths during December and January are holiday-related, meaning Christmas and New Year’s. During this period, cardiac deaths rose by 4.65%, and noncardiac deaths increased by 4.99%, particularly among individuals who are dead on arrival, die in emergency departments, or die as outpatients, researchers noted.
Possible causes include delays in seeking medical care due to holiday festivities, increased emotional and physical stress, overindulgence in food and alcohol, and reduced access to healthcare facilities. Additionally, the seasonal cold may further exacerbate risks by increasing blood pressure and clotting.
Dr Prakash says, "Blood pressure increases in cold weather, as we all know, especially in the morning, due to what we call vasoconstriction, which is the constriction of the blood vessels. The load on the heart also increases because of that. If the heart is already compromised, the chances of a heart attack are relatively higher, especially due to the cold weather."
He added that activity levels also decrease during winter, and people often stop their morning walks because of the cold. Due to the decrease in physical activity, along with an increase in blood pressure, blood sugar, and obesity, weight gain becomes significant. All these factors contribute to an increase in heart attacks during the winter.
In Delhi and neighbouring areas, the level of pollution also increases, which can affect the respiratory system and increase the risk of heart attacks, the doctor noted further.
Warning Signs Of Heart Attack In Winter
Signs and symptoms of heart attacks remain the same as far as seasons and weather are concerned. They are more or less the same, but one should be more careful about sudden increases in shortness of breath, highlights Dr Prakash, adding that it could be due to pollution, the effects of the cold, or it could also indicate a heart attack.
In addition to chest pain, any sudden increase in shortness of breath, weakness, or exertion, especially if accompanied by cold sweats, may be signs of a heart attack.
In some people, heart attacks can cause pain that can spread to the jaw, neck, back, shoulders, arms, or above the belly button.
Who Is More At Risk Of Winter Heart Attack?
While anyone can suffer from a heart attack, some people may be more at risk than others. They include:
- Men aged 45 and older and women aged 55 and older
- People with a family history of heart diseases
- People with pre-existing health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar or diabetes, high blood triglycerides, and obesity
- People who smoke or drink alcohol
How To Reduce The Risk Of Heart Attack In Winter
“The important thing is to keep exercising as much as possible, even in cold weather. It's advisable not to go for an early morning walk in extreme cold, but when the weather improves, you should walk, especially later in the morning or early in the evening,” advises Dr Prakash. According to him, physical activity should not decrease or be stopped due to cold weather.
Additionally, one should be mindful of their food intake and should watch out for fatty, oily, and fried foods during the winter. The doctor advises being very cautious about the calories one consumes and the type of food they eat. It is especially important to monitor our blood sugar, blood pressure, and weight, he adds.
Conclusion
While a heart attack can occur in anyone and at any time, it can be more common in some people and more likely to occur during the winter season. If you experience any discomfort, such as chest pain (not necessarily), shortness of breath, cold sweats, or weakness, you should definitely check with your cardiologist or at least a family physician, emphasises Dr Prakash. He shares that an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) should be done in case of any issues.
One should also consider tests like a TMT (treadmill test) or stress test, especially if a person is predisposed to cardiac diseases. Do not miss your medication, and make sure to maintain your physical activity. By following these basic guidelines and being aware, you can manage your health better, Dr Prakash concludes.