Whether you live in a frigid climate or not, cold weather can affect your heart. According to the American Heart Association, cold weather and other seasonal factors can raise the risk of heart attacks and more.
Studies show that cardiac deaths begin to climb around Thanksgiving, peak early in the year, then decrease as warmer weather returns. According to a 2015 study by Dr. Robert A. Kloner of the Huntington Medical Research Institute, every one degree Celsius drop in temperature (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) corresponded to a 0.49 percent increase in deaths from all causes.
Kloner said many factors are at work. The cold makes arteries constrict, which can decrease blood flow and the delivery of oxygen; it also tends to increase the formation of blood clots. Winter is also flu season, and studies have shown an increase in heart attacks shortly after people get the flu.
Some other potential factors include: the stress of holidays; a lack of sunshine and an increase in depression; and less exercise in the colder, darker months.
For those with coronary conditions, it's especially important to be aware of cold-weather activities like shoveling snow — consider hiring someone to do it or using a snowblower, particularly if you're not in shape — and to dress warmly. And of course, eat a healthy diet.