Heart Attack and Stroke: The Impact of Cold Weather and Recognizing Warning Signs

On cold winter days, changes occur in our cardiovascular system: blood vessels narrow — a condition called vasoconstriction — which is the body’s attempt to direct warm blood toward vital internal organs and away from the skin where it could be dangerously cooled.

The blood’s viscosity get thicker, the blood pressure increase, and the heart work harder to maintain essential organ function in the face of external cold.

The heart is a muscle — a remarkably energetic one — that requires a lot of oxygen to work well. In cold weather, the blood vessels carrying blood to the heart itself can constrict, meaning that, as more is demanded of it, it’s receiving less and less replenishment.

This can lead to a heart attack for those at risk.

One study published in 2015, found up to a 31% increase in heart attacks in the coldest months of the year compared with the warmest.

An ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot keeps blood from reaching and nourishing the brain. The same factors that make heart attacks more common in cold weather also lead to a higher risk of strokes. 

Simply put, tighter blood vessels and thicker blood raise the risk of clotting.

Certain groups have a higher risk of a heart attack or stroke. These include: 

• The elderly
• Patients with obesity
• Patients with hypertension
• Patients with heart disease
• Patients with high cholesterol

Your doctor is the best to tell you whether you face increased risk.

For those at risk of a heart attack or stroke, experts recommend avoiding excess physical stress in cold temperatures.

Also, avoiding nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine is recommended. Be alert to any sign suggestive of an acute ongoing heart attack, and if you experience them, call emergency services immediately and chew aspirin as soon as possible, according to a physician’s instructions.

Recognizing the critical signs of a heart attack and ischemic stroke is crucial for prompt action and seeking timely medical assistance. Although the symptoms may vary, being aware of the warning signs can make a significant difference in emergency situations.

Heart Attack:

• Sudden pain or tightness in the chest, neck, back, arms or jaw
• Sudden shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
• Nausea and cold sweats
• Sudden stomach pain
• Sudden lightheadedness or sweating
• Fatigue

Important note: not everyone gets all of the symptoms. So, call emergency services if you have any type of chest discomfort, especially if you also have one or more of the other signs.

Ischemic Stroke:

Strokes affect millions of people worldwide every year. But how to recognize a stroke  and what are the typical symptoms? 

Think F.A.S.T.

• Face Drooping
• Arm Weakness
• Speech Difficulty
• Time to Call Help

Other Signs

• Confusion
• Blindness or blurry vision in one or both eyes
• Difficulty getting around, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination
• Severe, unexplained headache

Aspirin™ inhibits clotting by working to keep blood platelets from sticking together. This means blood can flow more easily while patients seek further medical help during a heart attack or stroke.

Doctors sometimes recommend an Aspirin™ regimen for heart attack survivors to help prevent another incident. Talk with your doctor about lifestyle and medical interventions to reduce your risk for a heart attack or stroke.

Many of us are stepping into the winter months with our heart on our mind. If you or a loved one are at increased risk for a cardiovascular event, take precautions, know the signs, and keep Aspirin™ nearby