Why Heart Attacks Spike in Winters: What Every Family Should Know

Jaipur, 13 December 2025: Heart attacks affect millions globally, and they happen more often in winter. Data from the National Institutes of Health shows that heart attacks claimed 2,853 lives in 2023, with many victims aged 11 to 25. To raise awareness of this seasonal risk and provide families with preventive knowledge, let’s explore the link between cold weather and heart problems. Understanding how to prepare for this risk is crucial to protect vulnerable individuals and support heart health for everyone.

Dr Rahul Singhal , Director, Cardiology and Electrophysiology, Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur said, “There is an urgent need to see winter as a time when the risk of heart problems increases. The cold puts extra pressure on the heart, especially for those who already have health issues. Families should be aware of symptoms and take protective steps well before the temperature falls.”

Dr Rahul Singhal, Director, Cardiology and Electrophysiology , Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur explains the seasonal causes, warning signs, and essential steps every household can take to reduce winter heart attack risk.

Causes

Cold weather adversely affects the heart through several physiological and lifestyle changes:

1. Vasoconstriction and Elevated Blood Pressure: When exposed to cold, blood vessels tighten. This raises blood pressure and makes the heart work harder.

2. Increased Cardiac Demand: Strenuous activities or even shivering raise the heart's oxygen needs. This can lead to a heart attack if the arteries are narrowed.

3. Hormonal Responses: Cold can raise levels of stress hormones. This may lead to an increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, and a greater tendency for blood to clot.

4. Seasonal Infections: Winter peaks in viral infections, flu and pneumonia lead to systemic inflammation. This can destabilize arterial plaque and trigger a cardiac event.

5. Lifestyle Shifts: Reduced physical activity, unhealthy eating, holiday stress, and disrupted sleep patterns during winter lead to strain on the heart.

6. Delayed Care: Symptoms may be ignored, or people may look for help later because they are hesitant to go out in the cold. This can lead to worse outcomes.

Symptoms

Heart attack symptoms can be subtle and varying. Immediate medical attention is required if any of the following occur:

* Chest discomfort: pressure on the chest, squeezing, fullness, or pain, which may come and go

* Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach

* Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort

* Cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness, or unusual fatigue

Note: Women may experience less typical symptoms such as sudden fatigue, nausea, or back/jaw pain.

Prevention and Preparedness

1. Layer clothing. Keep indoor spaces warm to avoid sudden cold exposure.

2. Avoid sudden, intense physical activity in the cold. Warm up indoors first and take frequent breaks when doing outdoor chores.

3. Regularly check and manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Make sure to have enough prescribed medications on home.

4. Get vaccinated as they are important to stop infections that can strain the heart.

5. Engage in regular indoor exercise, eat a balanced diet, limit alcohol, and use stress-reduction techniques.

6. Make sure all family members recognize the warning signs and know the local emergency number.