Although it may seem surprising or even unbelievable, scientific research has consistently found links between colder weather and increases in heart attacks. A number of factors explain why cold weather renders the human heart more vulnerable to failure. Some of the most important explanations include the fact that blood vessels respond to cold by constricting; snow can force individuals into high intensity physical activities; eating habits tend to be much worse during the coldest months; the flu tends to spread during these months; and, finally, levels of stress and loneliness tend to dramatically increase during the colder seasons of the year.

Key Takeaways:

• In cold climates, blood vessels within the human body constrict as a natural response, but this also raises the risk of heart problems
• The more frigid months of the year tend to coincide with decreases in healthy and controlled eating
• The chilly months are linked to significant upticks in the degrees of loneliness and stress experienced by individuals

“It doesn’t seem like the outside temps should affect your ticker, but research shows a link between cold weather and heart attack risk.”

Read more: https://www.rd.com/health/conditions/heart-attack-risk-in-winter/