Five reasons why your risk of a heart attack increases in winter

Scientists have no doubts. The lower the temperature outside the window, the greater the risk of a heart attack. In winter, people who suffer from hypertension, have high cholesterol or have already had one heart attack should especially take care of themselves. Find out about the five reasons why your risk of a heart attack increases in winter.

Frost increases the risk of heart attacks

The largest study of the influence of air temperature on the risk of a heart attack was carried out by scientists from Lund University in Sweden. They analyzed data from over 274 thousand. Swedish patients who had a heart attack between 1998 and 2013 and compared them with available weather data.

The analyzes showed that The frequency of heart attacks increased as the air temperature decreased, lower atmospheric pressure, higher wind speed and shorter sunshine duration. However, the greatest correlation was noted for temperature. In the coldest months of the year, heart attacks were down by 31 percent. more than in the warmest months.

The frequency of heart attacks was higher on the days when the air temperature fell below 0, and it decreased on the days when the temperature increased by 3-4 ° C. According to Swedish scientists, negative temperature can narrow the arteries, which increases the pressure and load on the heart. What else may increase the frequency of heart attacks in winter?

Also read: Seven symptoms of a silent heart attack

Winter physical activity can increase the risk of a heart attack

Dr. Wiliam Frishman of Westminster Medical Center advises you to pay attention to physical activities that may increase your risk of having a heart attack in winter. It is about snow removal, for example. When clearing snow, for example, from a driveway, and therefore during physical activity, the heart beats faster. Additionally, to maintain a normal body temperature, blood vessels narrow, which raises blood pressure. A stressed heart, especially in people with a predisposition to a heart attack, may not withstand strenuous work.

If you develop chest pain, shortness of breath, or excessive sweating during winter physical activity, stop and rest. When this does not help, medical intervention may be necessary.

Unhealthy winter eating can increase the risk of a heart attack

Another reason why we are more prone to heart attacks in winter is that we often eat unhealthy snacks in winter. Each extra kilo overweight may increase the risk of a heart attack. Festive cookies and foods high in sugar, fat and salt can adversely affect your heart.

Flu-like infections can increase the risk of a heart attack

In autumn and winter, when temperatures suddenly drop, it is easier to catch a cold and the flu. One study published in the journal JAMA in 2013 found a link between flu vaccination and a reduction in the risk of a cardiac event, including heart attack and stroke, by around 33%. within the next year.

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Influenza vaccination may be especially useful for older adults. If they get the flu, the body will use a lot of energy to fight the disease, and this puts a strain on the heart. An vaccinated patient who still falls ill has the flu more gently.

Exposure to stress can increase the risk of a heart attack

During the fall and winter season, some of us are more prone to stress and its effects. Preparations for Christmas, the end of the year, the time of summaries – all this makes us feel nervous and deal with stressful situations worse. In a study published in 2017 in the journal “Lancet”, scientists proved that emotional stress is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. 293 patients participated in the study.

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Drinking alcohol in winter can increase the risk of a heart attack

Scientists from the Pittsburg Liver Center have observed that in winter we drink more often. This is due to a drop in temperature and limited access to daylight. According to researchers, in the months from September to February we consume high-percentage drinks more often. Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate and we feel warmer.

However, alcohol abuse has disastrous consequences for our body. It impairs the nervous system, it also adversely affects the work of the heart and may increase the risk of a heart attack. Instead of a warming mug of mulled wine or beer, it is better to choose fruit tea in winter.

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