Heart Care in Winter: 5 Simple Ways to Stay Protected

Importance of Heart Care During Winter: Understanding the Risks

The colder months bring more than just colder temperatures; they also put added strain on your cardiovascular system. In India, the World Health Organisation (WHO) data shows that cardiovascular diseases account for 27% of all deaths nationally.¹

Here are some of the key factors:

• Blood-vessel constriction in cold air forces the heart to pump harder, raising blood pressure and strain on the heart.
• Reduced physical activity and increased indoor time in winter lead to higher cholesterol and weaker cardiovascular fitness.
• Dehydration is more likely in cold weather because you may sweat less and notice thirst less, yet your heart still needs to maintain circulation efficiently.
• Older adults and people with pre-existing heart conditions face amplified risks, making proactive winter heart care especially urgent for them.
• Winter infections and elevated air pollution often combine with cold exposure to trigger inflammatory responses that thicken blood and raise the risk of clotting.

Now, let’s understand how cold weather elevates the chances of heart attacks in India.

How Cold Weather Elevates Heart Attack Risks in India

Exposure to low temperatures dramatically increases the physical strain your heart must endure, making proactive heart care in winter necessary to stay safe and well.

Here’s how weather changes influence heart attacks in winter:

• Blood Becomes Thicker: Studies show that when temperatures fall, your blood becomes thicker and stickier. This makes the blood more prone to clot formation, which raises your chance of a clot blocking a coronary artery.
• Hormonal Response and Stress: Cold exposure activates your sympathetic nervous system, prompting your body to release stress hormones such as adrenaline. These hormones make your heart rate jump and blood vessels constrict more, which can destabilise plaque within your arteries.
• Respiratory Illnesses (Flu and Pneumonia): Winter sees a rise in infections like the flu, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders (COPD), which create system-wide inflammation in your body. This added inflammation strains your heart and may increase the chance of plaque rupture, a known cause of heart attacks.
• Air Contamination and Pollution: In many Indian cities, cold, still air traps pollutants close to the ground, leading to high levels of smog and particulate matter. When you breathe these small particles, they enter your blood, cause inflammation, and worsen blood vessel damage.
• Low Vitamin D: With less sunlight available in winter, your body’s natural vitamin D production falls. Low vitamin D levels are linked to high blood pressure and poor blood vessel function, both of which negatively affect your heart health.

Isolating early signs of heart complications lets you understand how to prevent a heart attack in winter.

Recognising Early Signs of Heart Trouble: What to Watch For This Winter

Recognising early warning signs of heart problems is vital, especially in winter when risks are heightened.

Key heart failure symptoms include:

• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, even at rest, is a significant indicator of heart issues.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or reduced energy may signal heart failure.
• Swelling: Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen can result from fluid buildup caused by heart problems.
• Chest Pain: You must take any form of chest discomfort seriously, as it could be a sign of a serious heart problem. If you notice pain or pressure, schedule routine cardiac checkups with a heart expert without delay.
• Rapid Heartbeat: An irregular or fast heartbeat can indicate the heart is struggling to pump blood effectively.

If you or a loved one experience these heart failure symptoms, consult a healthcare provider immediately.

5 Proven Ways to Safeguard Your Heart in the Winter Months

Preventing heart attacks during winter requires understanding the risks and adopting heart-healthy habits.

Here’s how you can prevent heart attacks in cold weather:

1. Warm Clothes

Cold air forces your vessels to constrict, leading to a sharp rise in pressure in your heart. You avoid this strain by using layers that keep your core heat stable, as low core heat allows for rapid stress relief. Low core heat puts clear stress on your heart, so you must keep your body warm to stay safe in cold months.

2. Low-Strain Effort

Sudden force in cold air can raise your blood pressure quickly. Such a condition increases the risk of clotting in people with a bias within the cardiac tissues. A slow start inside your home gives your heart time to reach a safe rhythm before any particular task.

3. Indoor Motion

Short spells of total rest for long hours raise your fat levels and blood pressure, which can drastically affect your heart health in cold months. A slow walk inside your room, with a gentle step routine, helps your heart maintain a steady pace without a harsh pace.

4. Heart-Safe Food

Eating omega-3-rich fish, whole grains, and fresh vegetables helps keep your heart rate steady and reduces strain on your blood vessels. Light meal at set hours, avoid sharp spikes in pressure and sugar. Light, heart-safe food gives your body calming fuel, helping you avoid sharp spikes that strain your heart.

5. Daily Health Checks

You stay in control of your heart status when you track simple markers such as pressure, pulse, and water intake on a set schedule. A slight rise in pressure or an odd pulse pattern can help you stay alert at all times. Moreover, you can avoid major issues when you act on these signs.

Recent posts on Reddit show that India has a 25% to 30% of heart attack cases, which is prevalent among people under 40 years of age. The data places sharp focus on winter and heart attacks. Moreover, the pattern helps you understand how cold months put an extra strain on your heart health.²

Adopting these habits ensures comprehensive heart care in winter while minimising the risk of cardiac events.

Why Choose Eskag Sanjeevani: The Best Cardiology Hospital in Kolkata

When it comes to expert care and reliable medical services, Eskag Sanjeevani is renowned as the best cardiology hospital in Kolkata. Our team of highly qualified cardiologists offers:

• Comprehensive heart health assessments.
• Customised treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
• Advanced diagnostic tools for early detection of heart issues.

Also read: Unmasking the Hidden Heart Attack Threat