Riya Baibhawi

Cold Weather And Snow Not Only Make You Feel Gloomy, They Harm Your Heart Too

Winter Health

With temperatures continuing to drop across the world, many countries are battling fierce storms and extreme snowfall. Amidst this, health experts have raised alarms about skin allergies, seasonal infections, flu and mental health issues, like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). But can this season turn out to be fatal for your heart and brain? It turns out, the answer is yes!

Empirical evidence indicates that there are increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure during colder months, so understanding the connection between chilly weather and cardiovascular health becomes essential.

<h2>Can <span rel="noindex">Cold Weather</span> Cause Heart Attack? </h2>

Cold weather can increase the risk of heart attack, worsening heart failure, or elevated blood pressure. A 2023 study involving 34 participants was published in the Military Medicine journal. It examined the effects of cold stress on cardiovascular health. Participants immersed their left hand in cold water for two minutes, leading to significant increases in both blood pressure and heart rate during the exposure.

The physiological stress response to cold is a key factor. In response to cold exposure, your blood vessels constrict to prevent heat loss, and this puts added stress on the heart. This process, known as cutaneous vasoconstriction, reduces blood flow to the skin, forcing the heart to work harder.

Compounding this, sudden bursts of physical activity—like shovelling snow—can strain the heart, particularly in sedentary individuals. Heavy activity in cold weather can worsen symptoms of angina or heart failure. This increased workload, combined with constricted arteries, can elevate the risk of heart attacks or strokes, especially in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

<h2>Cold Weather And <span rel="noindex">Stroke</span> Risks</h2>

The danger of snow and cold weather does not stop at the heart. Studies have linked colder temperatures to an increased risk of stroke. A 2018 study revealed that ischemic strokes were more common in winter among individuals with atrial fibrillation. Similarly, a 2019 study of 56,000 stroke deaths in São Paulo, Brazil, found a correlation between falling temperatures and higher stroke mortality rates.

A study regarding the same was published in Medical Science Monitor in 2019. The findings of the study showed that, when compared with the non-low-temperature group, the low-temperature group showed significantly more severe neurological impairment. Also, low temperatures increase the incidence of stroke.

<h2>Snow Shoveling Risky For Your Heart?</h2>

Cold weather constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure, forcing the heart to work harder to circulate blood. The physical demands of shovelling—lifting heavy snow and throwing it aside—compound this stress. Unlike leg-focused exercises, shovelling relies heavily on arm muscles, which places a greater burden on the heart.

The research underscores these risks. A study by the American Heart Association linked heavy snowfall (7–8 inches) to a 16% increase in heart attack hospitalizations among men and a 34% rise in fatal heart attacks. Alarmingly, the heart rate can spike to 85% of its maximum within just two minutes of shovelling, mimicking the intensity of vigorous aerobic exercise.

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With temperatures continuing to drop across the world, many countries are battling fierce storms and extreme snowfall. Amidst this, health experts have raised alarms about skin allergies, seasonal infections, flu and mental health issues, like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). But can this season turn out to be fatal for your heart and brain? It turns out, the answer is yes!Empirical evidence indicates that there are increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure during colder months, so understanding the connection between chilly weather and cardiovascular health becomes essential.Can Cold Weather Cause Heart Attack? Cold weather can increase the risk of heart attack, worsening heart failure, or elevated blood pressure. A 2023 study involving 34 participants was published in the Military Medicine journal. It examined the effects of cold stress on cardiovascular health. Participants immersed their left hand in cold water for two minutes, leading to significant increases in both blood pressure and heart rate during the exposure.The physiological stress response to cold is a key factor. In response to cold exposure, your blood vessels constrict to prevent heat loss, and this puts added stress on the heart. This process, known as cutaneous vasoconstriction, reduces blood flow to the skin, forcing the heart to work harder.Compounding this, sudden bursts of physical activity—like shovelling snow—can strain the heart, particularly in sedentary individuals. Heavy activity in cold weather can worsen symptoms of angina or heart failure. This increased workload, combined with constricted arteries, can elevate the risk of heart attacks or strokes, especially in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.Cold Weather And Stroke RisksThe danger of snow and cold weather does not stop at the heart. Studies have linked colder temperatures to an increased risk of stroke. A 2018 study revealed that ischemic strokes were more common in winter among individuals with atrial fibrillation. Similarly, a 2019 study of 56,000 stroke deaths in São Paulo, Brazil, found a correlation between falling temperatures and higher stroke mortality rates.A study regarding the same was published in Medical Science Monitor in 2019. The findings of the study showed that, when compared with the non-low-temperature group, the low-temperature group showed significantly more severe neurological impairment. Also, low temperatures increase the incidence of stroke.Snow Shoveling Risky For Your Heart?Cold weather constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure, forcing the heart to work harder to circulate blood. The physical demands of shovelling—lifting heavy snow and throwing it aside—compound this stress. Unlike leg-focused exercises, shovelling relies heavily on arm muscles, which places a greater burden on the heart.The research underscores these risks. A study by the American Heart Association linked heavy snowfall (7–8 inches) to a 16% increase in heart attack hospitalizations among men and a 34% rise in fatal heart attacks. Alarmingly, the heart rate can spike to 85% of its maximum within just two minutes of shovelling, mimicking the intensity of vigorous aerobic exercise.

winters don't only make you sad, they harm your heart too

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Cold Weather And Snow Not Only Make You Feel Gloomy, They Harm Your Heart Too

Researchers Have Found A Growing Threat Living In The Human Brain

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Can Toothache Be An Indicator Of Heart Attack?

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