The American Heart Association has issued critical guidance about the significant heart health risks posed by cold weather, emphasizing that winter conditions can increase the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest. As temperatures drop, blood vessels contract and coronary arteries constrict, which raises blood pressure and places additional strain on the cardiovascular system. This physiological response, combined with the heart working harder to maintain body temperature, creates a dangerous environment for those with existing heart conditions.
Cold weather presents unique dangers that extend beyond common winter hazards. Hypothermia, which occurs when the body cannot produce enough energy to maintain warmth, can be fatal and presents symptoms including lack of coordination, mental confusion, slowed reactions, shivering, and sleepiness. People with heart disease often experience angina pectoris—chest pain or discomfort—in cold conditions. Furthermore, the association between cold weather and cold/flu season requires caution with over-the-counter medications, particularly for individuals with high blood pressure, who should consult healthcare professionals before taking any supplements or substances.
The association provides specific precautions to mitigate these risks. Proper clothing is essential: layering traps air between garments for insulation, while wearing hats or head scarves prevents heat loss through the head. Keeping hands and feet warm is crucial as they lose heat rapidly. Physical exertion requires moderation; walking through heavy snow or shoveling demands extra energy, so individuals should pace themselves, take breaks, and avoid overexertion. When shoveling, pushing or sweeping snow is preferable to lifting and throwing it to reduce strain.
Hydration remains important even in cold weather when thirst may not be apparent, and individuals should monitor their intake of high-calorie seasonal drinks like pumpkin spiced lattes and hot chocolate, which often contain excessive sugar and fat. Alcohol consumption should be limited as it can create a false sensation of warmth and lead to underestimating the body's strain. Special attention should be given to elderly individuals, who may have reduced subcutaneous fat and diminished temperature sensitivity, putting them at risk for hypothermia without realizing it.
Recognizing heart attack warning signs and acting quickly is vital. The association stresses that even uncertain symptoms warrant medical evaluation, as minutes matter in cardiac emergencies. With emergency medical services potentially delayed during bad weather, learning Hands-Only CPR becomes particularly important. More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals annually, and this technique can double or triple survival chances through two simple steps: calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest. Additional resources on cold weather and cardiovascular disease are available at https://www.heart.org.
