Who Is At Risk Of Heart Attack In Winter: The cases of heart attacks increase rapidly in winter and the main reason for this is the seasonal changes in the body. According to WHO, heart related diseases are the biggest cause of death worldwide. Heart attack occurs when sufficient blood does not reach the heart muscle. In most cases, this problem occurs due to blockage in the arteries of the heart, due to which the heart muscles gradually start getting damaged.

Why does this happen

Doctors say that heart attack can happen throughout the year, but its risk increases manifold in winter. According to experts, there is a clear increase in heart related emergency cases during the cold season. With falling temperature, physiological changes occur in the body and lifestyle also changes, which puts additional pressure on the heart.

Vasoconstriction is a major cause of heart attacks in winter. In cold weather, the body contracts the blood vessels to maintain heat, due to which blood pressure increases. Due to this, the heart has to pump blood with more force. This situation can prove to be very dangerous for people who already have blockage in their arteries or have a weak heart. Apart from this, blood also becomes thick in cold, due to which the risk of clot formation increases. People also reduce physical activities in cold weather. Not exercising leads to weight gain, weak blood circulation and cholesterol levels can worsen. Along with this, fried and high calorie food also harms heart health in winter.

What do experts say

Meanwhile, respiratory diseases, such as flu or viral infections, can also become a threat to the heart. These increase inflammation in the body, which destabilizes the plaque accumulated in the arteries and increases the risk of heart attack. Senior Dr. Shraddheya Katiyar posted about this on social media, according to him, “The reason for the increase in heart attacks in winter is not just a coincidence. As soon as the body gets cold, the body goes into survival mode to save the heat. Due to this, the blood vessels shrink, the blood pressure increases rapidly and the heart has to work harder. The platelets also start sticking together quickly in the cold, due to which the risk of clot formation further increases.”

Extreme cold and heart attacks are closely linked. This is not theory. It is basic physiology.

Every winter, emergency rooms see the same pattern. Temperatures drop. Heart attacks rise.

Here is why cold weather stresses the heart.

When you step into extreme cold, your body…

— Dr SHRADDHEY KATIYAR (@Wegiveyouhealt1) January 10, 2026

Which symptoms should not be ignored

Some people are most at risk in winter. These include people with pre-existing heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking habit and the elderly. If symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness, excessive sweating or dizziness are seen in this season, then do not ignore them even by mistake. Timely diagnosis and treatment is the strongest way to prevent heart attack.

Winter Heart Attack: Prashant Tamang passes away due to heart attack, know why heart attacks happen more in winter and how to prevent?

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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How Cold Weather Affects The Heart: Indian Idol 3 winner and Prashant Tamang, who was seen in Paatal Lok 2, died on Sunday (January 11) due to a heart attack. He was only 43 years old. It is worth noting that the risk of heart attack increases significantly in cold weather. The biggest reason for this is cold weather, which shrinks the blood vessels of the body. This puts additional pressure on the heart and can also increase blood pressure. This is the reason why every year in winter the number of heart patients in hospitals suddenly increases. According to a report, one out of every four deaths worldwide is due to heart disease and more than 80 percent of these deaths are due to heart attack and stroke. Generally people believe that if cholesterol is normal then the heart is safe, but doctors say that in winter there are many other factors which are very important to pay attention to.

Why are there more heart attacks in winter?

There are some hidden dangers for the heart in winter, which people often ignore. According to a study published in the year 2024, the risk of heart attack increases significantly due to severe cold or sudden increase in cold. The surprising thing is that this danger does not come as soon as the cold starts, rather it is highest 2 to 6 days after the temperature falls. Statistics show that every year the highest number of cases of heart attacks and heart-related deaths occur around Christmas and New Year. This is not just a coincidence. Cold weather, change in lifestyle during holidays and additional stress on the body all together have a heavy impact on the heart.

What do experts say?

According to cardiologist Dr. Naveen Aggarwal, in winter the body tries to adapt to the cold. During this period, blood pressure may increase, blood may become thicker and changes occur in the veins, due to which the risk of heart attack increases. By sharing a video regarding this on social media, he had told about what are the reasons due to which the risk of heart attack increases in the winter season.

How can we protect ourselves?

Our habits also harm the heart in winter. According to experts, people exercise less in winter, eat more fried food and stress also increases. Doctors say that during the winter season, keep your weight under control, do yoga or meditation daily and take 7 to 8 hours of sleep. In winter, eat fried foods like pakodas, samosas only in limited quantity. Instead, include fruits, vegetables and pulses in your diet. Excessive consumption of salt and sugar can also be harmful for the heart.

Also read: Oversleeping Side Effects: Are you sleeping more than necessary? This could be a serious problem, expert warned

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator