Winter and Cardiology: 'Tis the Season

Cold weather and cardiovascular disease are correlated. During the winter season, the risk of heart disease increases. This leads to an increase in heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiac-related events.

According to the article, Your Heart in Winter, "In the cold, your heart works extra hard to maintain a healthy body temperature. Winter wind can make this more difficult because it causes your body to lose heat more quickly" (Northwestern Medicine, 2022). In worst-case scenarios, "if your body temperature drops below 95 degrees, hypothermia can damage your heart muscle" (Northwestern Medicine, 2022). This is because cold weather causes blood vessel constrictions, reduced blood flow, and increased stress hormones. The low temperature puts strain on the body, which ultimately could damage the heart or lead to cardiovascular issues.

However, apart from the seasonal chill, other factors, such as unhealthy foods, increased alcohol intake, and generic stress, also explain this connection. This is especially true considering how this time of year, for all its jolly cheer and festive gatherings, there is often financial strain, lack of sleep, and busy schedules that must be accounted for with this merriment.

For one's safety, should one have cardiovascular disease or be at risk of getting it, there are a few things to consider this winter season.

One should dress appropriately for colder weather to limit the stress the cold causes on the heart. As such, one should limit their time in the cold as much as possible.

Considering this, while mulled wine and heated alcohol are a tradition of the season, and they make one temporarily warm, they also put extra strain on the heart, especially in the cold. So, limiting alcohol intake is wise, especially this time of year.

A cardiac patient's physical activity should also be moderated, as this is the time of year for shoveling and navigating heavy snow drifts.

This does not mean staying inside and avoiding any fun this holiday season. By all means, eat, drink, and be merry, but with respect to your condition. I merely advise caution in certain respects during the winter season. For more information, don't hesitate to get in touch with your cardiologist to see if they have any suggestions.

Stay safe and enjoy the holidays!

Reference List:

Northwestern Medicine (2022). Your Heart in Winter. [online] Northwestern Medicine. Available at: https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/Your-Heart-in-Winter.