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Cold weather significantly increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and worsening heart conditions.
Winters not only increase the risk of respiratory illnesses like pneumonia but also raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart attacks and the worsening of pre-existing heart conditions such as heart failure and arrhythmias.
“A couple of decades ago, when I lived in Jaipur, Rajasthan—where the winters are harsh—I noticed how people take out their warm clothes after Diwali and put them back during Holi. Having spent most of my life in South India, this was new to me. Winter preparedness seemed woven into the culture,” says Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy, Director and Lead Consultant, Cardiology, KIMS Hospital, Mahadevapura, Bengaluru.
Winters not only increase the risk of respiratory illnesses like pneumonia but also raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart attacks and the worsening of pre-existing heart conditions such as heart failure and arrhythmias. Preparing for winter and taking certain extra precautions are essential to prevent these complications.
Dr Krishnamurthy explains what you need to know.
How do winters worsen cardiac health?
Cold temperatures cause vasoconstriction of the blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to various organs.
The body naturally responds to cold exposure by increasing blood pressure. This rise in blood pressure can trigger vascular events like heart attacks and brain strokes in susceptible individuals such as the elderly, diabetics, hypertensives, and those with existing cardiac disease.
Cold weather also increases the tendency for blood clots to form due to heightened platelet reactivity or stickiness.
Reduced physical activity and the consumption of high-calorie food are common during winter. Increased alcohol intake is also frequent, all of which add to cardiac risk.
Viral influenza, which is more common in winter, contributes significantly to cardiac events, especially among older adults.
How to prevent such events in winter
Avoid exposure to cold air and winds as much as possible. Use adequate warm clothing, gloves and socks when going outdoors.
If you have diabetes or hypertension, take your prescribed medications regularly and monitor your blood sugar and blood pressure closely.
If you are on blood thinners, do not skip doses. Avoid long periods of inactivity, as this can increase the risk of clotting.
Exercise regularly and eat healthily. Avoid overeating, particularly high-calorie foods, refined carbohydrates, sweets and sugar. Limit alcohol intake to no more than two small drinks per week and avoid binge drinking.
Taking the flu vaccine can help prevent viral influenza and many of the cardiac complications associated with it.
Visit your doctor regularly and follow the recommended advice carefully.
Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. December 04, 2025, 08:59 IST
