Why Winter May Pose a Threat to Your Heart

Winter is often associated with knitted sweaters, rain boots, cozy nights and cold weather, and maybe, a new transition. While the winter season can be the most beautiful time of the year, it’s also the season when heart attacks rates surge.

Research from the National Institute of Health shows more heart attacks occur in the winter than at any other time of the year, with numbers spiking during Christmas and New Year’s. On top of combatting various health concerns – the flu, RSV, norovirus, – being aware of how the winter affects your heart health is another important health concern to be mindful of.

Our team of cardiologists at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center are well equipped to handle cardiac emergencies, but we want to offer education about heart conditions to help prevent a cardiac emergency from occurring.

Why are Heart Attacks More Common in the Winter?

The cold season poses several risks to your heart including:

• It’s Simply Cold Out Here: Cold temperatures cause blood vessel constriction, leading to higher blood pressure. Additionally, exposure to cold weather consistently makes the heart work harder to maintain body temperature. The added strain from cold weather can worsen underlying heart conditions, such as angina (chest pain) due to coronary heart disease, further elevating risks of heart attack.
• Not Enough Vitamin D: Aside from low temperature, there are fewer hours of sunlight during the winter, which reduces exposure to vitamin D from the sun’s rays. A lack of vitamin D can lead to inflammation of the arteries and lead to coronary artery disease (blockages in the heart arteries).
• Improper Nutrition: Holidays during the winter seasons are synonymous with indulgent meals and celebratory drinks, causing many to stop their regular exercise routine and eat an excess of high-fat, high-sodium foods. This can lead to an increase in cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Excessive alcohol consumption can further exacerbate these issues, leading to arrhythmias (an irregular heartbeat) and other cardiac problems.
• Increased Stress Levels: While the holiday season can be joyful, it can also be stressful due to financial pressures, travel and family obligations. Stress triggers the release of hormones like adrenaline, which increases heart rate and blood pressure. Chronic stress may also contribute to poor lifestyle choices, such as overeating and skipping exercise.
• Sedentary Lifestyles: The shorter days and colder weather often lead to reduced physical activity. The combination of overconsumption of unhealthy food and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain, higher blood pressure and poor cardiovascular health – all factors increasing one’s risk of a heart attack.
• Delaying Medical Attention: To avoid delaying or postponing holiday festivities, people may downplay or ignore symptoms of a heart attack. This delay in seeking medical attention can worsen symptoms and lead to negative outcomes.

These winter habits are reasons why someone could potentially have a heart attack. However, recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack is equally as important as knowing why it happens.

Heart Attack Signs to Never Ignore

Men and women have different experiences with heart attacks. Recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack can save your life or those around you.

Most common symptoms presented in both men and women include:

• Acute (severe) pain, tightness or squeezing discomfort in the chest is the most common warning sign of heart attacks
• Other common symptoms associated with severe chest discomfort include cold sweat, nausea or vomiting

For men, other signs include:

• Sweating associated with chest discomfort
• Pain, pressure, tightness, numbness and/or tingling in your jaw, back, neck or shoulders
• Shortness of breath
• Sensation of heartburn
• Indigestion

For women, other signs include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Uncomfortable pain between shoulder blades
• Shortness of breath
• Indigestion or gas-like pain
• Sudden fatigues and sleep disturbances

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away by calling 9-1-1 and note the time when symptoms first appeared. Do not drive by yourself.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your risk of a future heart attack.

How Can I Protect My Heart Against the Cold?

Small changes to your lifestyle during this time of year can go a long way in preventing a heart attack from happening. Here are some changes you can integrate into your lifestyle to help protect your heart during the winter:

• Practice Moderation: Eating more healthy food such as dark, leaf green vegetables, antioxidant fruits such as berries, lean proteins, and whole grains, while reducing processed sugar carbs, and alcohol.
• Take Vitamin Supplements: Less sun in the winter means vitamin D, so it’s important to take vitamin D supplements to help to reduce inflammation in the arteries. Speak to your primary care physician about the proper dosage you would need.
• Stay Active: Maintain a regular exercise routine, even during the busy holiday season. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as light jogging, brisk walking, cycling, Pilates or yoga, three to five days a week.
• Manage Stress: Incorporate relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing or yoga into your daily routine. Setting realistic expectations for the holidays can also reduce stress.
• Dress Warmly: Protect yourself from the cold by dressing in layers – especially if you must spend a lot of time outdoor – to lower your heart rate.
• Schedule Regular Check-ups: If you have a history of heart conditions or pre-existing condition like high blood pressure or diabetes, schedule regular check-ups during the winter and year-round to monitor your heart health.

While the holidays are a time for celebration, they should not come at the cost of your health. By understanding the risks associated with the cold season and adopting heart-healthy habits, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from cardiac emergencies.

A Premier Center for Cardiac Emergencies

While most heart conditions can be prevented, there may be instances when medical intervention is needed. The Emergency Department at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical center offers comprehensive emergency cardiac services to ensure patients receive timely, expert care. If further testing and medical intervention is needed, the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center offers various treatment options to offer personalized treatment plans to manage patient’s heart issues. The care team is highly specialized and trained to combat future heart disease risks in patients by addressing underlying issues affecting a patient’s heart health.

As one of the most high performing hospitals according to U.S. News, MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center is a six-time five-star recipient recognized for its excellence in coronary bypass surgery, coronary intervention, treatment of heart-attack and heart failure by heart grades, and has recently received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Heart Failure Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award, as well as the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. With these achievements and an array of passionate, renowned specialists, patients can have confidence knowing they are receiving the best care.

The MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center is dedicated to educating the public on the importance of heart health and is always ready to provide exceptional care, ensuring that no matter the season, your heart is in best hands.