By: Dr Joy Saibal Shome, Consultant Intervention Cardiologist at BM Birla Heart Hospital.

Many might rejoice the decline in temperature, as it means a return to the comfort and snugness of the winter months. However, these cold months pose a serious risk for the heart health and for any individual with pre-existing heart disease, special attention must be paid to heart care. While various factors put extra strain on the cardiovascular system during winter, some studies reveal that the winter months see almost 53 per cent more potentially serious heart conditions like heart attacks and strokes than the summer months.

Winter poses unique challenges to heart health, with colder temperatures causing blood vessels to constrict and increasing the workload on the heart. Winter is associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular events due to the increase in stress that a drop in ambient temperature puts on heart walls and the decrease in flow to the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Moreover, during the winter, people tend to do less physical activity, which can lead to weight gain and a consequent increase in blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Exposure to extreme cold may even result in hypothermia in which body temperature drops to dangerously low levels, thus complicating cardiovascular health even further.

The increased workload on the heart coupled with lack of physical activities and the consumption of heavier foods put people most at risk for cardiovascular events during the cold months. Protecting the heart from heart diseases during winter months requires an active approach. Primarily during winter, people should dress warm to avoid sudden exposure to cold, which can elevate blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system. People should also maintain a balanced diet rich in seasonal vegetables, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats while limiting processed and high-fat comfort foods.

Navigating the cold months with a healthy heart require people to stay active and engage in physical activities. With the limitation on outdoor activities, simple indoor workouts such as a home workout or yoga or just walking indoors can facilitate proper blood flow and reduce the level of stress on heart. Hydration and sleep, in turn, are equally significant to the maintenance of a healthy heart. During the winter, the body tends to easily get dehydrated, blood thickens, and the chance of clots increases. So, it is always advised that people should drink enough water even if not thirsty to maintain hydration and not put much pressure on the heart.

For those in high-risk groups — such as individuals with health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or a history of heart disease — regular health checkups and adherence to prescribed medications are vital. Through regular consultations with the doctor, potential health issues can be diagnosed early and people can get timely advice to stay healthy throughout the cold season.

Stress can be another major factor in heart problems during the winter. People should limit stress and set aside time to relax and unwind through simple daily activities like meditating, listening to music or taking a hot shower. It is also noteworthy that the winter is the time for people to stay safe from common illnesses like fever or common flu. Vaccinations like the flu and pneumococcal vaccines can help prevent winter-related infections, which can indirectly strain the heart.

Keeping the heart safeguarded from the cold can make winter a beautiful time of the year for every individual. Not only individuals with pre-existing heart conditions but those prioritizing heart health should also have an understanding on the impact of cold weather on the heart health. By taking certain proactive measures, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of winter-related heart complications and maintain optimal cardiovascular health.